Topic outline

  • General



    • Welcome to the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

      Inductions for students on the MSc programmes are on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, and Wednesday, 18th September 2024.  Please find more information under your programme below.

      Welcome Week activities and events across Queen Mary include:

      • All week: Campus tours, IT help desk, Technology Enhanced Learning Team sessions (booking required), Mile End Library Self-Tour
      • Tuesday: Wellbeing Fair
      • Wednesday: International Students Welcome
      • Wednesday (Whitechapel campus) and Thursday (Mile End campus): Students' Union Welcome Fair


      You will find more information on the relevant tabs.


  • MSc Artificial Intelligence in the Biosciences Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc AI in the Biosciences is Dr Mohamed Elbadawi.


    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

  • MSc Biodiversity and Conservation Welcome Session

  • MSc Bioinformatics Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc Bioinformatics is Professor Conrad Bessant.

    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

  • MSc Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology is Dr Simon Moore.

    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

    • MSc Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology schedule for Tuesday, 17th September 2024, and Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

    • You will be sharing the first module BIO726P Unix and Analysis of Large Genomic Datasets with students on the MSc Bioinformatics and MSc AI in the Biosciences. These specifications are based on the requirements for both programmes. We hope you will also find them useful.

      If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Programme Director for the MSc Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology Dr Simon Moore.

  • New Students Website


    We recommend that you visit the New Students website for information you will need as you prepare for enrolment.

    The new students website will also provide of support as you navigate the start of term:

    • Advice and Counselling Services
    • Careers
    • Chaplaincy
    • Disability and Dyslexia Service
    • Finance
    • IT Services (MS Teams, Outlook)
    • International Welcome Week


  • Library Services

    The following videos and documents will introduce you to Library Services.

    There will also be a short introduction to Library Services at your Welcome Week induction on Wednesday, 18th September 2024.


  • Technology Enhanced Learning Team sessions

    Technology Enhanced Learning Team sessions

    The Technology Enhanced Learning Team offers sessions on how to use QMPlus to all new students during Welcome Week. Please book your slot here on the bookings page at a time that suits you and please use your QMUL email address.

    Note that you only need to book one of these sessions.   

    Important:   

    • Please bring your personal laptop or other suitable device to participate in this session. 
    • Before arriving for the session, we recommend that you connect your device to the campus Wi-Fi and try logging into QMplus. The network which you should use to connect your device is ‘eduroam’.  
    • Please arrive early for a prompt start.

    The event, hosted by the dedicated Technology Enhanced Learning Team, will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make the most of some of the technologies that you will engage with during your educational journey.  

    We look forward to seeing you soon!  

    TELT

  • QMplus for new students


  • Module Registration

    How do I select my modules?

    To register for your modules you will need to log-in to MySIS

    The majority of the MSc programmes have a prescribed diet, which means that you will have automatically been enrolled on to your module.
    H
    owever, some programmes have a list of elective modules for you to choose from.

    How do I find the programme diet for my MSc programme?

    You will need to refer to the relevant module alignment from the options listed below:

    • MSc Artificial Intelligence in the BiosciencesMSc Bioinformatics; MSc Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology: the module alignment is here.
    • MSc Biodiversity and Conservation; MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation: the module alignment is here.
    • MSc Molecular Cell Biology; MSc Psychology - Mental Health Sciences; MSc Psychology (Conversion): the module alignment is here.

    Part-time students on the MSc Bioinformatics will choose some of their taught modules this year and the remainder in their second year. You will learn more about this at your Welcome Week session and will find information on the programme page.

    The deadline for module registration is Friday, 11th October 2024.


  • Timetable

    All MSc programmes (with the exception of MSc Psychology (Conversion), MSc Psychology - Mental Health Sciences and MSc Molecular Cell Biology) follow block teaching in three-week periods. Weeks 1-2 are for block teaching and week 3 is the assessment week.

    On the MSc Psychology (Conversion), MSc Psychology - Mental Health Sciences and MSc Molecular Cell Biology, you do not have block teaching. Your modules will follow the 12-week semester plus one week break in Week 7 for reading week without classes. 

    You can access your timetable via the Queen Mary App or on this Central Web Timetables page with your student number in the 'Students' search.

    Term dates for 2024/25 and future years can be found on the Queen Mary website. Please note that Semester B starts on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025.




  • Student Wellbeing

    During Welcome Week, a Wellbeing Fair will take place at Geography/Graduate Square, Mile End Campus, on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, 12-4pm. At the Fair, stalls and activities with a focus on wellbeing will be available for all students.

    Throughout your time at Queen Mary, the Advice and Counselling Service will provide a range of specialist, professional and confidential services to support both students and applicants. You can find an overview of the services here. The main webpage for the Advice and Conselling Service is https://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/about-us/.

    The Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) are also here to support students from the point of application through to graduation.
    You can find out more about DDS here: https://dds.qmul.ac.uk/.
  • Consent Matters

    Talking about sex and consent doesn’t have to be difficult. All students are expected to complete our online module, Consent Matters, to learn how to recognise and ask for sexual consent, look out for others on campus, and where to find support if you need it. Take the Consent Matters course. 

  • Togetherall

    In addition to the support available to you via DDS and the Advice and Counselling Service, we also recognise there might be times you feel the need to access support for your wellbeing outside of work hours.

    Togetherall offers unlimited, 24/7 accessible online support – you can connect with peers, chat online to clinicians, use self-help resources, join groups or take self-assessments. Lots of students at lots of universities find it an incredibly helpful resource. It is also completely confidential and staff at the university cannot see what you are writing or sharing. You will find their website here: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/.

    Togetherall provides immediate support whilst you’re waiting for an appointment to see someone in Student and Academic Services. If you access Togetherall there is no negative impact on your wait for support through our services; it’s just another option that you may want to explore.
  • Mental Health First Aiders

    Queen Mary is also a member of the Mental Health First Aid network. The purpose of the network is to promote health and wellbeing and provide a supportive and open culture towards mental health. You might also like to refer the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England website for further resources of support.

    There are a number of Mental Health First Aiders in Schools and departments across campus trained to understand the factors that affect wellbeing and who are able to provide immediate support to those in crisis. They will listen without judgement and be able to signpost to additional resources of further support. If you or someone you know needs to contact a Mental Health First Aider, a list of trained mental health first aiders is available here (log-in required).

    Alternatively, you can call Security on 020 7882 3333 (internal extension 3333) in a case of emergency.

     


  • MSc Molecular Cell Biology Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc Molecular Cell Biology is Dr Christoph Engl.

    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

  • MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation Welcome Session

    • The Programme Co-Directors for the MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation are Professor Andrew Leitch (Queen Mary) and Dr Chin Cheung Tang (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

      Please find the schedules for the Induction below.

      Queen Mary: Tuesday, 17th September 2024, and Wednesday, 18th September 2024.
      Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Thursday, 19th September 2024, and Friday, 20th September 2024.

    • This schedule is for the sessions that are taking place on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, and Wednesday, 18th September 2024, at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

    • Inductions on Thursday, 19th September 2024, and Friday, 20th September 2024 take place at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

      Please note: The schedule is for students on the MSc Biodiversity and Conservation and on the MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation.

      Please make your way to Jodrell Laboratory gate, Kew Gardens. The closest train station to Kew is either Kew Bridge Station or Kew Gardens Station. When you get to the gate, please pick up the yellow phone and tell the constabulary that you are there for Kew MSc welcome week. 
      This is the link to Google map. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQjxR1HWasdsVtbR8
      and what3 words is https://w3w.co/await.system.punch. - await.system.punch

  • MSc Psychology (Conversion) Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) is Dr Gwen Brekelmans.

    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

  • MSc Psychology - Mental Health Sciences Welcome Session

    The Programme Director for the MSc Psychology - Mental Health Sciences is Dr Cristina Cioffi.  The Deputy Programme Director is Dr Alena Galilee.

    Please find the schedule for the Induction below.

  • Academic Integrity Induction

  • Late enrolment

    If you have only just accepted an offer on to one of our MSc programmes and/or won't be able to attend parts of Welcome Week, don't worry, you can contact either your Programme Director or the Education Services Team (sbbs-office@qmul.ac.uk) for more information.

    You will also find details on the Queen Mary website:

    https://www.qmul.ac.uk/newstudents/enrolment/late-or-temporary-enrolment/


  • Students' Union

    • Whitechapel campus: Wednesday, 18th September 2024 from 1pm-4pm.
    • Mile End campus: Thursday, 19th September 2024 from 10am-6pm, and Friday 20th September 2024 from 10am-4pm.
    Please pre-book your free timed entry ticket for a time that suits you.


  • Course Rep nominations

    We encourage you to consider becoming a Course Rep for your programme.

    • You can find out more about the role of a Course Rep by going to the Course Rep Hub: www.qmsu.org/coursereps.

    • If you are interested in nominating yourself as Course Rep you can do this via www.qmsu.org/elections.
      • Nominations usually open in September.
      • When you nominate yourself, you have the option to upload an optional photo and short manifesto but this is not mandatory.
      • There is more information here.

    •  If you have any questions, you can direct those to su-elections@qmul.ac.uk.

     


  • IT Services

    Help and support:

    • The IT Service Desk is your first point of contact for all things IT related. You can chat to the IT Service Desk 24/7 or raise a ticket here or email to servicedesk@qmul.ac.uk.
    • IT will have a help desk stand on Library square (Mile End campus) and at Whitechapel campus from Saturday, 14th September to Friday 27th September 2024.

  • International Student Welcome Event and Information Sessions

    For international students, there are additional information sessions during Welcome Week:

    International Students Welcome - Drop-in

    Information stand and social activities: Wednesday, 18th September 2024, 10am-4pm, Queen's Building Lawn.

    Introduction to the Academic Skills Centre for International Students

    Wednesday, 18th September 2024, 11am-12pm, Quiet Study Space, Ground Floor in the Library (Mile End) 

    Essential Information for International Students and Introduction to QM Elevate

    Wednesday, 18th September 2024, 12pm-1pm, Peston Lecture Theatre in the Graduate Centre

    Careers Talk for International Students

    Two options - please choose the time that suits you best:

    • Monday, 16th September 2024, 12pm-1pm, Peston Lecture Theatre in the Graduate Centre

    • Thursday, 19th September 2024, 11am-12pm, Skeel Lecture Theatre in the People’s Palace




  • International Student Success Programme - QMPlus Module

    International students will have access to the International Student Success Progamme which includes the following modules: 

    • Preparing for student life in the UK 

    • Culture: Adapting and managing expectations 

    • Effective Communication 

    • Looking after yourself and finding support

    Please enrol yourself on the International Student Success Programme QMPlus page here.






  • Campus Tours

    Monday, 16th September, to Friday, 20th September 2024  

    Campus Tours will take place every hour (10am start – last tour leaving at 3pm), leaving from the welcome desk in Library square. You do not need to book, multiple tours will be leaving at the same time.  


  • Welcome Bags

    Don't forget to collect your welcome tote bag from the information point in Library Square during Welcome Week! 

  • Things to do in London

    To explore in London:

    Biomedical Sciences: Medical library and museum at the Wellcome Collection and exhibitions and events at the Francis Crick Institute.

    Artificial Intelligence/Bioinformatics: Virtual reality experience at Sandbox VR.


     

  • MSc Biodiversity and Conservation Module Registration

    Semester A:
    You need to select 4 x 15-credit modules in total.

    You will select the following three compulsory 15-credit modules:

    • BIO771P Research Frontiers in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation (15 credits)
    • BIO773P Statistics and Data Analysis (15 credits)
    • BIO774P Biodiversity Loss – Challenges and Solutions (15 credits)

    You also need to select one 15-credit module from the following two determined by the stream that you want to follow:

    Conservation and Habitat Restoration stream

    Conservation, Ecology and Evolution stream

    BIO789P Biodiversity Survey and Spatial Analysis (15 credits)

    BIO772P Ecosystem Function and Assessment
    (15 credits)

     
    Semester B:

    Module selection in Semester B will also be determined by the stream that you selected at the end of Semester A.
    E.g. if you selected BIO789P then you have to choose the following modules from the ‘Conservation and Habitat Restoration’ stream: 

    You will choose one 15-credit module from the following two (determined by your stream)

    Conservation and Habitat Restoration stream

    Conservation, Ecology and Evolution stream

    BIO790P Conservation and Restoration in Practice (15 credits)

    BIO779P Spatial Analysis and Emerging Technologies in Conservation (15 credits)

     

    You will choose one 15-credit field trip module determined by your stream

    Conservation and Habitat Restoration stream

    Conservation, Ecology and Evolution stream

    BIO796P Overseas field trip: Conservation and Habitat Restoration in Borneo (15 credits)

    BIO797P Overseas field trip: Marine Ecology and Conservation in Cabo Verde (15 credits)

     OR

     BIO798P Overseas field trip: Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation in Borneo (15 credits) 

     
    Research Project = BIO791P (90 credits) remainder of the year


  • Virtual Helpdesk