Contents
Page
1Contents
2Welcome and Introduction
3Key Staff and Contact Details
4Registration
6Student Support
9Student Responsibilities
10School Responsibilities
11Research Conduct and Ethics
13Supervision, Training, Assessment Monitoring and Progression (STAMP)
15Study Programmes
24Postgraduate Study – Other Aspects
25Postgraduate Research Training Programme
27Frequently Asked Questions
29Appendix I: Useful Links
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham. Firstly, a word of clarification about our School name. On August 1st 2013 the University restructured its Medical and Science Faculties and this resulted in the merger of the old Schools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Medical Sciences into a new School of Life Sciences. The merger results in the creation of one of the largest Schools in the University with a presence at both University Park and at the QMC. There are well over 100 academics and you join a postgraduate research student cohort of approximately 300 people. Of those, about a quarter are MRes students, and the remaining three quarters are mostly PhD students.
Our cohort of PGR students is a local community, but it is also a global community. Many of you will be joining us from overseas, and many more of you will find that your training in Nottingham will give you the skills to move to a position anywhere in the world (whether in scientific research or otherwise). That is one of my key goals – to ensure that we provide you with the opportunities you need to fully realise your potential here, and help you achieve your future career goal.
Over the next pages you will find – hopefully – all of the information you will need as a PGR student in Nottingham; from the contact information of key individuals, through to notes about programme regulations, and details about central support if you find yourself in difficult circumstances. We think it contains all the information you need – but if you think it omits something valuable then let us know as it is always under revision!
You join the School at an exciting time – its inception is also your start date as a Postgraduate Research student and I sincerely hope that your successes will be one of our successes over the next few years. I wish you the very best of times here in Nottingham and look forward to hearing about your progress.
Dr Ian Kerr,
Director of Postgraduate Research
Key Staff and Contact Details
ACADEMIC STAFF
Name / Role and Where they are based / Email / Phone Ext.Prof Ian MacDonald / Head of School (Medical School) / / 30119
Dr Ian Kerr / Academic Lead for PGR (Medical School) / / 30122
Prof Miguel Cámara / PGR DeputyDirector (UP) / / 15036
Dr Andrew Bennett / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (Medical School) / / 30113
Dr Steve Diggle / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (UP) / / 84267
Dr Markus Eichhorn / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (Life Sciences) / / 13214
Dr Marios Georgiou / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (Medical School) / / 30115
Dr Kim Hardie / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (UP) / / 67958
Dr Rob Layfield / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (Medical School) / / 30107
Dr Luisa Martinez-Pomares / School Postgraduate Student Advisor (Medical School) / / 30772
SoLS IT Support / Life Sciences IT Team / / 84088
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Mrs Amanda Losinski / PGR Manager (Medical School) / / 30075Ms Leanne Mitchell
Ms Susan Stelmak
Ms Elizabeth Wilson / Postgraduate Research Administrators (Medical School) /
/ 30774
Your PGR Student Representative(s) are: Jordan Lane, Adrian Haywood,Othman Othman, Daniel Scott, Holly Black and Jennifer England.
Registration
You must register within two weeks of your arrival in Nottingham with both the University and the School of Life Sciences Administration Office located on E-Floor of the Medical School
Student Services Centre
If you are joining the Faculty at the start of the academic year in September you will register on-line and in the University Sports Centre.
If you are joining the Faculty at any other time of the year, you should register online and at the University Student Services Centre, B-Floor, Portland Building.
IMPORTANT: You need to register online before you can register in person.
Registration details can also be found at:
Students may be asked to provide a form of identification before they are able to register, so please make sure you take a valid form of identity along with you.
International students may also be asked for their visa and funding information when registering in person with the University of Nottingham at the Student services Centre, so it is best to take these documents with you.
Once you have registered with the University as a new student, at the start of each new academic year (usually after 1st August) you will register on-line as a returning student. Reminders will be sent. Please ensure that you register each year as failure to register will disable your IT and library access. Please make sure that you provide up to date details – you may have changed your name, address, e-mail address or telephone number.
University Card
Details about how to get your University Card can be found by accessing the following link:
This card serves as your University identity card, your library card, and entry “key” to some of the University buildings and secure cycle compounds. If your card is lost you may request a replacement, please also report any lost or stolen cards to the Security Office. A replacement card will cost you £15.00.
If you experience any problems contact the Security Office behind the Hallward Library.
Tel: 0115 95 15759
User ID
A University IT account will be automatically issued to you as part of the online registration process. If you have a problem logging on please go to the Information Services website:
Please note: students MUST use their University of Nottingham email address for ALL correspondence with the university. Students must also check their university email address regularly.
Fees
Information about current fees can be found at
You can check your fee account and pay online via the Portal. See
For advice and information about payment of fees please contact the University Finance department. Details at
Please note that non-payment of fees will result in suspension of your studies and supervision, and withdrawal of library and IT access.
Code of Discipline
The University of Nottingham requires that all staff and studentsmaintain the highest level of integrity throughout. The Code of Discipline for Students below should be adhered to at all times. Any misconduct under this code is an offence and will be taken very seriously.
Student Support
Computing facilities
All Postgraduate Research Students (PhD/MPhil/MRes) will be issued with a laptop for the duration of their study. The University wireless network can be accessed with your laptop on any of the University campuses
Desk space
If you have any queries regarding desk space please speak to your supervisor or the lead academic for your Research Group.
IT assistance
If you have a computer and/or access problem, contact details can be found at the following link:
Alternatively, if you are encountering technical problems with the PGR-Web, please direct your query to
Using IT Facilities
Fact sheets including: Using Library Lending Services; Using print and Photocopy Services, Top IT Helpdesk Questions; Using Short Loan Collections; and Using Self Service are available at: and via the IS website student home page at: (bottom right corner of the page)
Students living in halls will have an IS 'Starter Pack' waiting for them in their study bedrooms, containing:
- Student Network Service(SNS) cable
- Print copy of the new student's guide
- Fact sheet to help them to start using SNS
- Fact sheet about the IT Support Tutor sessions available to them
- Publicity flyer advertising the 'freeview' internet TV and telephony service provided by INUK.
Accessing your University Emails
Postgraduate students are given a username and password once they have completed the ‘Online Registration’ process. Using this password, you can then login to your email account by going to
(Please note: your email may take up to 24 hours to become active)
Photocopying
Photocopiers are available for use in your local work area. You will require your University card to gain access to all photocopiers.
Finding your way Around Nottingham Campuses
Please use the following links to view the various Campus Maps.
University Park:
Jubilee:
Kings Meadow:
Sutton Bonington:
Car parking
Parking space is extremely limited and not generally available for PGR students. Please note that the University operates a workplace levy for car parking spaces – staff working at the University have to pay for the parking permits displayed in their cars. If you do not have the relevant permit your car will be either clamped or you will receive a fine.
Information is available from the Security Office, rear of Hallward Library or at:
Alternative parking can be found at the Queens Drive Park and Ride. Location, prices and opening times can be found via the following link:
Services for students who have a disability, dyslexia and/or a long-term medical condition
The University of Nottingham is committed to promoting access for students who have a disability, dyslexia and/or a long-term medical condition. Services provided aim to enable students to fulfil the inherent requirements of the course as independently as possible.
The University’s Disability Plan for Students: The University’s [dis]Ability Directory, which lists the provision available at the University, can be accessed from the Disability Policy Advisory Unit:
What we need you to do ….
It is your responsibility to ensure that the University is aware of your individual requirements. If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) or long-term medical condition, you are urged to inform the School’s Disability Liaison Officer (see below) and/or your personal tutor. The School has a Disability Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy through which you can choose what level of disclosure you wish to authorise. You will be asked to sign a Disability Disclosure Form that either requests that information concerning your circumstances remains confidential between yourself and the staff member to whom you disclose or that authorises staff to share information on a need to know basis, in order to extend support to you. Letting us know what you might need at an early stage will help us to help you.
What we can offer you …..
Once you contact your DLO or personal tutor you will be referred to Academic Support – with your permission as stated above. Academic Support, in Student Services, includes the Disability and Dyslexia Support teams, and offers a range of academic and practical support for all students. It incorporates a recognised ASSESSMENT Centre for those who wish to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances, carrying out the assessments required by your LEA or funding body. Academic Support is also responsible for making recommendations for alternative arrangements such as those required in examinations, assessments and for timetabling. Assistance can also be given with regard to queries about adapted accommodation and University provision of accessible transport.
Contact details are:
Tel: +44 (0) 115 951 3710
Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 4376
Email:
Web:
School Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)
The DLO for the School of Life Sciences is Gail Gomez.
Extenuating Circumstances – Sometimes there may be unexpected circumstances that may affect your ability to work as normal, such as serious illness, accidents or family problems. While we hope that these will not occur during your degree, the university has procedures to allow students to complete their studies without being put at a disadvantage. We are more than happy to assist you, but please be aware that the University will not consider extenuating circumstances in retrospect so it is essential to submit documentary evidence at the time of any problem. In the event of unsatisfactory performance/attendance in the course it is not possible to claim extenuating circumstances unless they have been recorded at the time. Please discuss any extenuating circumstances with your supervisor or Postgraduate Student Advisor.
Students’ Union
The Students' Union Students with Disabilities Association exists to represent the interests of students with disabilities at The University of Nottingham. Its aims are to promote equality of opportunity and to ensure that students with disabilities can participate in all aspects of University life. The association also provides information, support and advice as well as organising a range of social, sporting and other activities during the year. If you would like further information, want to join or get involved please contact us at:
Tel: +44 (0) 115 846 8771
Ext: 68771 (internal)
Email:
Student Responsibilities
We expect you to become an integral member of the School during your studies. We aim to train you in the appropriate skills to become an independent researcher, but you have a major responsibility for your progress. We expect you to be present in the School on a daily basis, and to inform your supervisor of any absence. A failure to comply with these regulations may result in downwards registration from PhD to MPhil or ultimately termination of your studies. Furthermore, as a postgraduate student we expect you to develop and maintain a professional attitude to scientific research. This includes:
- Maintaining your experimental record - This should be an up-to-date record of your experimental results/experimental procedure which is easily understandable. Many students are currently using an electronic lab book (eWorkbooks) in addition to their paper lab books and you will receive training for this software as well.
- Carrying out your research within the ‘Code of Research Conduct’ of the University of Nottingham. This is a lengthy document – indeed it runs to 15 pages, but we have distilled the key components on the next two pages.
- Your data must be recorded in a durable form, and be available for inspection by your supervisor or other responsible academic (eg HoS or PG Tutor) at any time. You must provide your supervisor with the original data when required, and leave this for archiving after your studies are completed. You can be prevented from graduating if this is not the case.
- Conducting your work in a professional manner such that none of it is plagiarised. Your Personal Academic Record contains a declaration which you must sign stating that you have understood the academic offence of plagiarism. Software for checking plagiarism will be made available and may be used on any of your written work.
- Maintaining your Progress Report forms - This is an essential mechanism to enable you or your supervisor to address any potential problems with your programme of study at an early stage. You should arrange these meetings on a regular basis and keep a record of these meetings via the School’s computer-based PGR – Web programme. All new Research students will be required to use this programme.
- Maintaining a Personal Skills Portfolio - This is essential for your training and personal development and is also handled through the PGR-Web system of study.
- Participate in Graduate School Training Courses and other training courses as required by your programme of study The Faculty runs a series of courses in transferable/generic skills that you must attend. The Graduate School runs other courses on generic aspects of scientific training. One of your initial tasks is to discuss and formulate a training plan with your supervisor.
- Attending School Seminars. We attach great importance to our Seminar Programme, which includes both internal and external presenters. A register is kept of your attendance at School Seminars. You record your attendance through the PGR-Web system and this is one of the factors against which progress of students is judged at the annual review.
- Meeting deadlines. At various stages throughout your course of study you will be asked to submit work for review or you will be asked to complete documents or tasks by your supervisor or other members of the School. You must ensure that the deadlines set are met. If you have extenuating circumstances which mean you are unable to meet a particular deadline, you must make this known to your supervisor at the earliest opportunity.
School Responsibilities
The University is committed to ensuring that all students receive appropriate supervision, assessment, review and pastoral care during their postgraduate studies. Within the School, a number of support mechanisms exist.
Supervision
All PGR students are allocated two research supervisors. You will undoubtedly already know the main supervisor from visits to the lab, and from email contact before you have started. The other supervisor may be someone you have yet to meet. The role of the second supervisor varies from project to project. In some cases the research supervision is split fairly equally between the different supervisors. In some instances you may find the second supervisor to have a more “back-seat” role. If the latter is the case, then I advise you that the second supervisor can be invaluable at many stages of the project, so I would suggest you get to know his/her research strengths, and invite him/her to your supervision meetings so that he/she gets to know your project.
Director of Postgraduate Research
The School’s Director of Postgraduate Research is Dr Ian Kerr ().
School Postgraduate Student Advisors (SPSAs)
School Postgraduate Student Advisors (SPSAs)are available to offer independent advice and support to you if you have any queries about University, Faculty or School regulations and procedures, or if you have concerns about the progress of your research work and the availability of facilities or resources, or if you have difficulties with your supervisory relationship. Any matter of discussion between you and the Postgraduate Tutor will be held in the strictest confidence. Furthermore, the Head of School (HoS) will be pleased to see you at any time, to discuss work or any other matter about which you need help or advice.The Head of School (HoS) will be available if there are any serious concerns/matters.