Stored Case Studies

Easing transition: A proposed learning forum to facilitate the enhancement of A-level and undergraduate student experience

Submitted by: Sara Marsham (Sara.marsham@ncl.ac.uk)
Marine Science and Technology, Marine Biology

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What did you do?

Hosted a cross-university undergraduate-led scientific conference for peers in Northern universities and A-level students in the North East

Who is involved?

Sara Marsham, Stage 2 Marine Biology BSc. students from Newcastle University

How do you do it?

Stage 2 Marine Biology BSc. students from Newcastle University were entirely responsible for the organisation of the scientific conference. Undergraduate students from four Northern universities (Liverpool, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Newcastle) were invited to prepare and present 10 minute oral presentations concerning an aspect of their own scientific study to an audience of A-level students and their peers, and undergraduate students from Heriot Watt University as undergraduate peers in the audience. Attendees were asked to produce scientific posters for the event. Blue Ventures and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) were invited to present on aspects of marine science in the working world. A final session added to the programme was a question and answer panel, allowing attendees to ask the Organising Committee anything; from aspects of university life to what it is like to study Marine Biology at Newcastle University. A conference pack was produced and distributed.

Why do you do it?

Equip undergraduates with transferable career skills Assist in preparing A-Level students for degree level education

Does it work?

The conference met all attendee expectations. Undergraduate speakers valued the opportunity to meet and network with peers. The event was run again due to its success.

Your title

Easing transition: A proposed learning forum to facilitate the enhancement of A-level and undergraduate student experience

Coherent Curriculum themes

Student Induction, Skills and Employability, Student Engagement

Students\' Stage

Undergraduate (Stage 1)

Academic unit

Marine Science and Technology

Learning technologies

-

Type of interaction

Over 200 students in a group

Main trigger for your practice

In response to issues

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