Sunday, July 26, 2009

July 27th 2009

Hi everyone, Not much to say this week except I hope you have all got on to Blackboard OK, had a look at the Bioscience 2 timetable and generally cruised around the site.

I was pleased to see everyone on Tuesday. For those that didn't make it we talked about the course and in particular the timetable. I pointed out that the first few weeks are mainly revision although do watch out as there are a few new topics and facts. This means that it would be a really smart to get ahead of the timetable so you have a bit of extra time to do those topics that are new. In particular the nervous system is a mountain to be climbed, with 3 separate parts to the notes and then the endocrine and digestive systems come close up behind with lots of new concepts and terms.

Oh yes, the main discussion point was tutorials. We talked about Elluminate versus face to face sessions and the general concensus was that face to face was more profitable. We decided to provisionally book one for 10-12am on Sept 16th on the Digestive System and then to see how you go and book more if needed. Those that may having trouble getting to one in the middle of the week please speak up. Please email your comments on this so I get all the feedback I can.

I have now worked out all your final marks for Bioscience 1. If you haven't received an email telling you yours tell me and I will resend it.
cheers Ruth

Sunday, July 19, 2009

July 20th 2009

Welcome to the second semester and Bioscience 2.

I have just given you access to this course on Blackboard (I hope) where you will find the timetable for the semester, the assessment schedule, the notes and the quizzes. Have a look around and see what you will be covering from now till the end of November.

You will see that the format is pretty similar to that of the first semester and some of the topics will even look familiar. However, Bioscience 2 is one level up on Bioscience 1 so you will covering things in more depth and be you will be expected to understand it to a greater degree as well as apply the knowledge and intergrate it with what you have already learnt to a greater extent.

Just note that the first two topics are really revision and Unit 1 on cells and tissues is really what you have already done but with a few new things added, so you should be able to whizz through them. Then timetabled to start on 17th August is the Nervous system. This is a bit of a shock as it is A BIG UNIT! By big I mean the notes are in 3 parts and you will find much of it is new with an awful lot of new terms. Do not underestimate it. So I am suggesting that it might be a good idea to get ahead of yourself and perhaps start working on this unit before suggested by the timetable. To enable you to do this I have put up the quizzes for all the units from the first day of term. You still need to keep an eye on the closing dates as, like last semester, they will close a week after it says on the timetable.

Looking forward to a great semester and also to seeing you on Tuesday (July 21st) morning,

Good luck,
Ruth