Centre for Bioscience Professional Development Programme

Bioscience Representatives' Forum 2006

6-7th September 2006

Imago Conference Centre, University of Loughborough

The Representatives Forum is held annually as a "Thank-you" to Bioscience Representatives for the work they do for the Centre during the year. The Forum is held over two days to give time for informal networking and more formal exchange of practice.
This year twenty-six Bioscience Representatives and key contacts attended the Forum, held at the University of Loughborough and feedback about the event was positive;

"...most useful – meeting other representatives, exchanging experience"

"...always a very inspiring meeting – after the meeting you want to engage much more in the teaching / learning process.."

Photo of Representatives at the Forum dinner

Programme, Wednesday 6th September

12:00	Registration Open
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Welcome and Introduction to the forum Ed Wood, Co-Director Centre for Bioscience
13:35	Introductions and group discussion Facilitated by Julian Park
14:00	Keynote presentation: First-Year students' Experiences of Learning and Teaching in the Biosciences Dai Hounsell, ETL project and the University of Edinburgh
14:45	Swapshop - Developments in Bioscience Learning and Teaching, Chaired by Steve Maw Analysis of groupwork in students - Nigel Lindsey, University of Bradford Student failure in the first year: An interview based investigation - Jon Scott, University of Leicester Feedback to students on exams - are specimen answers from previous cohorts useful? - John Green, Napier University Biomathtutor: The next steps - Vicki Tariq, UCLAN
15:45	Refreshments
16:00	Swapshop - Developments in Bioscience Learning and Teaching with a focus on e-learning, Chaired by Katherine Clark Using Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts to enhance learning - Terry McAndrew, Centre for Bioscience Using Profile for research skills mapping - Gillian Fraser, University of Reading A podcast on podcasting in the biosciences - William Ashraf, University of Bradford A brief introduction to the new Teaching Bioscience Enhancing Learning Guide - Steve Maw, Centre for Bioscience
17:30	Free time
19:00	Wine reception
19:30	Dinner

Programme, Thursday 7th September

From 8:00	Breakfast
9:00	Centre for Bioscience Update News and developments from the Centre, Katherine Clark
9:15	Life in the Biosciences - views and experiences from secondary school bioscience teachers and bioscience students View from a Biosciences student - Sue Willis, winner of the Centre for Bioscience Student Essay Competition The transition from school to university - Roy Nichols, student at the University of Reading An insight into teaching GCSE and A-level Biology - Interview with Daniel Rose, Secondary School Biology Teacher
10:15	Facilitated discussion - Enterprise and transferable skills Julian Park, Centre for Bioscience
11:00	Refreshments
11:15	Swapshop - Developments in bioscience learning and teaching, Chaired by Julian Park Outcomes of the STAR (Student Transition And Retention) Project - Brian Rushton, University of Ulster Is a dedicated Foundation Year more appropriate than level one of an established degree programme? - John Morton, University of Glamorgan Biology for the Blind - Peter Chevins, Keele University
12:00	Working with Representatives Steve Maw, Centre for Bioscience
12:30	Reflection on the Forum and closing remarks
12:45	Lunch and depart