Introduction to Learning and Teaching

We want to enable you to maximise your learning opportunities once you join us so you are in a good position from day one. The resources below will get you thinking about the new way of learning as a University student, building on what you already know and giving you a head start on study skills and the best mindset for learning. Click on the links below to help you get ready for a great start to your programme within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.

General study resources

Learning at University

What is a lecture?

What is a seminar?

Subject tailored resources

There will be lots more information to help you with your studies on the Academic Transition pages for your School. Follow the relevant links below:

Undergraduate

Biomedical Science

Dental Surgery

Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Medicine

Nursing

Pharmacy

Postgraduate

Postgraduate Taught Courses

Additional resources

Skills4Uni (includes skills diagnostic)

Are you returning to education after a gap? Learn how to engage with online learning, how to prioritise your commitments and strategize and how to find any support you may need:

Visit the Skills4uni website

Returning to education

Academic Skills Centre

The Academic Skills Centre (ASC) at the University of Birmingham can help you to fill any gaps in your study skills and can be accessed at any point during your time with us:

Quick introduction to ASC

Introducing the ASC

The Library

The Library will be a regular companion throughout your time at university and we have fantastic facilities and resources. Find out more about how to access our wealth of online material to aid your study and research:

Getting started to FindIt@Bham

Your Guide to ResourceLists@Bham

Learning platforms

We use learning platforms you may be unfamiliar with. Get to grips with learning effectively online by following this guide.

Online learning

Online learning strategies

Hybrid teaching is our way of describing the blend of online and in-person teaching. Here is a guide on how to navigate and behave in this environment:

Learning in a Hybrid Teaching Room - a guide

Specific advice for those students coming to us for postgraduate taught programmes:

Transition from UG to PGT

All of us need to stay safe online. Your online presence is more important than ever and needs due consideration and diligence. Here are some tips for staying safe and professional online.

Online safety

Developing a positive online and social media presence

Time management

Stay in control of your studies to ensure there is still time for the other stuff you love. Managing your time is important for your state of mind and your success:

Time management

Getting to know your tutor (personal tutor / module tutor / teaching staff)

Our academic staff, your tutors, lecturers and professors are there to help you learn. Each student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor, shared with a group of students from your programme, who can help you navigate your learning journey. It’s a good idea to get to know them at the earliest opportunity and to stay in touch.

You will be assigned your tutor during welcome week and you’ll also be introduced to a platform called PebblePad which hosts our approach to Personal Academic Tutoring. This is where you’ll communicate with your Personal Tutor. Find out more in welcome week.

Reflection

Reflection is a key learning skill in education, clinical work and research. Find out more here:

What is reflection?