Topic outline

  • Key Documents and Resources

  • Before you get started

    • Undergraduates

      Welcome to Queen Mary, if you are having trouble accessing this page please ensure you are correctly logged into your QM account as the topics are restricted to different student groups (Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Foundation students).

      Here are the fundamentals for getting started at Queen Mary

      1. Ensure you have pre-enrolled and can access your Queen Mary login credentials.

      2. Log in to QMplus and take the introduction tour. Ensure you have familiarised yourself with your university email inbox.

      3. Attend all your Welcome Week talks and events. 

      4. Familiarise yourself with your timetable and ask any questions you might have during Welcome Week! 

                                                                                              


      Struggling with IT issues? Please visit here


  • Overview of Welcome Week

    • On behalf of all the professional and academic staff, I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at Queen Mary University of London! 

      My name is Mason Newbury and I am the Student Support Officer at the School, I will be on hand to offer pastoral support to help you during your time at Queen Mary. I will be the main point of contact during Welcome Week and below is a general overview of Welcome Week. 

      The main School Office for SPCS is located on the first floor of the G.O. Jones Building, Mile End Campus. 

      Mile End Campus Map

      Campus Tours - Monday 16th September- Friday 20th September   

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

  • Welcome Week Schedules

    • Physics Undergraduate Timetable - September 2024 Page

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      Not available unless: You belong to UG PHYS
    • Physics Undergraduate Timetable - September 2024 Page

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      Not available unless: You belong to UG PHYS
    • Chemistry Undergraduate Timetable - Sept 2024 Page

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      Not available unless: You belong to UG CHEM
    • Chemistry Undergraduate Timetable - Sept 2024 Page

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      Not available unless: You belong to UG CHEM
    • Postgraduate Physics and Chemistry Timetable - Sept 2024 Page


  • Getting Started on QMplus

  • Tuesday - Introduction to Chemistry (Year 1 undergraduates only)

  • Tuesday - Meet your advisor

  • Tuesday - Introduction to Physics (Year 1 undergraduates only)

  • Wednesday - Welcome to the School and University Services

    • Welcome to the School and University Services. 

      On Wednesday is our main Welcome to the School and University services talk. Here you will be introduced to the new School of Physical and Chemical Sciences from the Head of School, Professor Adrian Bevan, Director of Education, Dr Lesley Howell and Student Support Officer, Mason Newbury.

      11:00 - 12:30  Maths Lecture Theatre (Maths Building) on Wednesday 18th September 

      Please join us for the SPCS Welcome Lunch directly after this session. 


      It's also your opportunity to learn more about:
      • QMUL library and how to use it
      • Overview of the Advice and Counselling service 
      • QMUL Careers service and dedicated SPCS Careers Consultant
      • Disability and Dyslexia Service
      • Student Course Reps
      • Queen Mary Student Union

  • Thursday - PsiStar Welcome event (14:00-16:00)

    • All SPCS students welcome! 

      PsiStar is the QMUL Physics society and one of the most established student societies on campus. It’s a great chance to meet students and get involved in events and activities (social and physics related)

      Join PsiStar on Thursday 19th September for a welcome social!

      14:00-16:00 in UG1, GO Jones Building

      Join PsiStar on Facebook!

  • Using the QMUL Library

    • Library inductions - 5 key things for SPCS students




      Academic Skills Enhancement – Get Ahead workshops 

      Starting university is a big step on an even bigger journey, and Get Ahead is here to help you with this transition.  

      Get Ahead aims to support incoming students to prepare for university-level study at Queen Mary. It offers an opportunity for new students to learn more about studying at QMUL, and to make connections with current staff and students, helping to build a sense of belonging.  

      The Get Ahead workshops have been designed to help you develop key skills you’ll need to succeed at uni. They’ll also be an opportunity to meet other new students at QMUL.   

      The workshops running throughout semester A will include: 

      • Getting started and getting organised 
      • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity  
      • Studying at university  
      • Developing your research and information skills for university  
      • Understanding maths and statistics at university 
      • Getting support with reading, writing and statistics 

      For more information, including dates/times and how to book, visit the Academic Skills webpages. 




  • International Students

    International students will have access to the International Student Success Programme 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 

    International students can take part in the programme: https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=19412 

    International Student Welcome Drop-In - Booking not required!

    Wednesday 18th September 10am-12pm, Lawn Tent outside the Queen's Building/Graduate Centre.

    Students will have the opportunity to meet with Queen Mary staff and fellow international students. 

    Immigration Drop-ins

    The Advice and Counselling Team will continue their online immigration drop-ins (generally 12 per week). This is a 15 minute slot where we can show guidance, signpost and make a later appointment if necessary. Students can book in themselves if they have a QM email address: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/AdviceandCounselling@qmulprod.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ Staff can book on behalf of students who don’t have a QM address yet.

    Additionally, they will be offering an in-person drop-in every weekday afternoon at 2pm from w/c 16 September for 3 weeks. The team will have the capacity to see at least the first 4 students who arrive at ACS reception daily between 2 and 2.30pm.

    The Team's drop-ins are generally at full capacity, so students will need to try another day if the first session they try is fully booked.

    Students can continue to contact the team through their web-formwww.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/about-us/opening-times-and-contact-us/#contactus and will endeavor to respond within their service standard of 5 working days. This is usually the best way to contact them initially. We don’t advise about the Graduate Route visa but can signpost to information.

    Finally, if you have a general question about Student immigration permission, you can reach an International Student Adviser on welfare@qmul.ac.uk. If it is about a specific case, please contact them directly through our web form, as they cannot advise through a third party, including a member of staff.

    Airport Collection 

    There will be no airport collection and no QM presence at Heathrow. 

  • Student Support Officer and Student Wellbeing Services

    • Student Wellbeing at Queen Mary 

      The Student Wellbeing Service at QMUL includes:
    • Introduction to the Advice and Counselling Service at Queen Mary University of London.



      The service broadly  offers two different types of support.

      Group and Individual Counselling to help with:

      • Anxiety
      • Homesickness
      • Bereavement
      • Depression
      • Identity and Sexuality
      • Relationship issues

      Trained Welfare Advisors who can assist with:

      • Student Finance
      • Immigration law and Visa guidance
      • Managing your money
      • Applying for hardship funds
      • Funding your studies

      If you want to access our Counselling service, or you are a current international student at Queen Mary with a question about your immigration or funding, please submit your enquiry through MySIS instead of using the contact webform, as they can process your enquiry quicker.


    • Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) 

      DDS office

      The Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) offers support for all students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental health issues at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

      There are specially trained advisors to support with:

      • Dyslexia and specific learning differences
      • Disabilities and DSA support
      • Autism support and assessments
      • Mental health issues
      • Exam access arrangements (extra time etc.)
      • Accommodation and dedicated study space

      The Disability and Dyslexia Service is located on the 3rd floor of the Francis Bancroft Building in 3.06. 

      Please email the Disability and Dyslexia Service or use the DDS online contact form to get in touch or book an appointment.


  • Support in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

    • Subject Support (Academic Offices, GO Jones or JP Building)
      • For support with your subject and academic guidance your first step is to speak to your academic adviser or module organiser .
      • We encourage you to contact your advisor or lecturers directly over email to schedule a suitable time to meet. 
      • Students are encourage to attend the weekly Peer Assisted Study Support session (PASS) for peer-led academic support from student mentors if they need additional academic support. This take place every Wednesday afternoon.

      You can find academic staff and offices here


      Admin support (110, G.O Jones Building)
      • General academic guidance
      • For help with your timetable 
      • Module changes
      • Assisting with room booking
      • MSc support and Intercollegiate MSci module registration

      Please contact SPCS Office, the School office in the first instance.


      Pastoral Support (Room 110, G. O. Jones Building)

      • First point of contact for all students and signpost students to relevant support services and mechanisms.
      • Offer advice on matters which may be impeding your ability to study.
      • To make the student experience the best it can possibly be.
      • Manage and monitor the School’s engagement policy and offer support mechanisms to get students re-engaged with their programme of study.
      • Manage the School’s extenuating circumstances policy (circumstances that are outside a student’s control which may have a negative impact on a student’s ability).
      • Leading on the School’s student feedback procedures for assuring academic standards and enhancing the student learning experience.

      Please contact Mason Newbury (m.newbury@qmul.ac.uk), the Student Support Officer (SSO) for the School.


  • IT support during Welcome Week


    • The main point of contact for Welcome Week will be the Student Support Officer, Mason Newbury.

      If you are having difficulties or need any guidance, please contact the  SPCS Office so someone can help you! 

      Please note that we will not be able to assist with IT enquiries related to accessing your credentials and this should be directed to the central IT team (contact information above and below).
  • Become a Course Representative

    • Are you interested in become a student Course Representative?

      Course Reps represent the interests of student within their cohort. In practice, this means that Course Reps act as a liaison between staff and students. Course Reps collect feedback – formal and informal – from the students in their cohort, and the Reps feed this back to the relevant staff members

      Information about course reps how you could become one!

  • Career & Enterprise


    • An introduction to Careers and Enterprise at Queen Mary, University of London

      The Careers and Enterprise team help and support students with their future plans and career goals. They offer support for those who are looking for advice and placements. 



  • Become a Student Ambassador for Physics/Chemistry

  • Peer Assisted Study Support (PASS)

    • PASS, or Peer Assisted Study Support, is an accredited peer learning programme run for students, by students. PASS aims to help undergraduate students build academic competency through small group discussion and study.

      How does it work?

      PASS provides a relaxed, confidential and safe space to practice your content in the presence of your peers. Sessions are run by higher year students (Mentors), who are trained to facilitate effective sessions and help you learn best.  PASS Mentors are trained to not give you the answers but to facilitate help guide you to find your own answers; helping to develop the processes and associated study skills required to succeed in your studies. Sessions are run weekly throughout semester and are available both in person and online (timetables vary per school).

      Click here for more information and where to apply.

  • Consent Matters

    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. 

    Harassment and Sexual Misconduct on Campus

    New undergraduate students will be enrolled in a micro-learning course in September as part of their welcome induction to the University.

    New students will receive the micro-learning course directly to their university email and their personal mobile number if we have that on record, on the 19th September 2023.

    https://reportandsupport.qmul.ac.uk/campaigns/harassment-and-sexual-misconduct-on-campus

  • Intro to IT and QMplus - Welcome Week

    • Test Assignment Submission: Welcome Week Activity - Assignment/Coursework 
      Objective: 
      Instructions for Completing the Quiz on Microsoft Word Option 
      1. Delete the Incorrect Answers Open the Document: 
        1. Open the quiz document in Microsoft Word. 
        2. Identify the Correct Answer: Review the multiple-choice options for each question. 
        3. Delete Incorrect Answers: Click on the text of each incorrect answer. Highlight the incorrect answer text. Press the Delete or Backspace key to remove it from the document. 
        4. Save Your Work: After editing all the questions, save the document by clicking File > Save As, and choose a suitable location and file name. 
      2. Highlight the Correct Answers Open the Document: 
        1. Open the quiz document in Microsoft Word. Identify the Correct Answer: Review the multiple-choice options for each question. 
        2. Highlight the Correct Answer: Click and drag to select the text of the correct answer. Go to the Home tab in the toolbar. 
        3. Click on the Text Highlight Color button (usually a yellow marker icon). Choose the highlight color you prefer (e.g., yellow) to mark the correct answer. 
        4. Save Your Work: After highlighting all the correct answers, save the document by clicking File > Save As, and choose a suitable location and file name.

    • Test Assignment Submission: Welcome Week Activity - Quiz 
      Objective: 
      This quiz consists of 10 multiple-choice questions covering fundamental concepts in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Data Science. Your goal is to select the most accurate answer for each question. 
      Instructions: 
      • Read Each Question Carefully: Each question is followed by four possible answers. Make sure to read all options before selecting your answer. 
      • Select One Answer: For each question, choose the answer you believe is correct. Only one answer is correct per question. 
      • Time Management: You have 10 minutes to complete the quiz. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can answer all questions. 
      • Each correct answer earns you one point. There are no penalties for incorrect answers. 
      • Submit Your Quiz: Once you have answered all questions, review your responses if time allows, and then submit your quiz. 
      Good luck, and enjoy testing your knowledge!

  • Royal Society of Chemistry

    Not available unless: You belong to UG CHEM
  • University Support Services

    • The university has a wide range of resources and support available to those who study at QMUL. 

      • Students' Union - Student support, PASS mentors, Buddy schemes, socials, sport, societies, representation, Multi-faith centre and SU Shop.
      • Careers Service - Specialist appointments, internships/work experience, job vacancies, application support
      • IT Support - Emails, Printing, WIFI, QMplus, password services, CopyShop.