Biological Sciences BSc Welcome Pack
Welcome to Biological Sciences BSc 2025.
Hello and welcome to Biological Sciences, here at the University of Northampton.
We are delighted to have you on our course and look forward to getting to know you all during your time with us.
Biological Sciences is the study of living organisms, covering everything from the molecular, cellular and whole organisms to adaptations and lifecycles and most importantly the environment in which they live. It is a multi-disciplinary course in which you will embrace topics such as evolution, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, ecology, biogeography and of course, practical fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
During the course you will embrace data analysis and problem-solving skills as well as teaching you to be an independent thinker and effective communicator ready to be part of the next generation of Biological Scientists.
We can’t wait to meet you in September so please make sure you read this Welcome Pack, and in particular check out the events in Welcome Week.
If you have any queries or simply want to chat about the course, then please feel free to contact me directly on the email address given in this pack.
Your Course Leader
Dr Ruth Copeland-Phillips
Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sciences
Welcome and Induction sessions
This is your induction timetable for welcome week starting on 22 September 2025. If you have any questions or would like to meet/talk prior to Welcome Week, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Ruth Copeland-Phillips: ruth.copeland-phillips@northampton.ac.uk.
Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October
Welcome Week activities
From karaoke to outdoor cinema, wellbeing walks to Silent Disco, and much more – there’s something suitable for everyone.
See our Welcome timetable to find out more.
Monday 22 September
Session: Introduction and Welcome to the Course. You can also book Personal Tutorial slots during this session (taking place on 24 September) and we will give further details around the Fieldwork activity taking place later in the week.
- Time: 11am – 1pm (BST)
- Location: LH111 (first floor), Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Tuesday 23 September
Session: Introduction to studying at UON. Learn how to access your timetable, IT account, NILE, reading lists and other study resources.
- Time: 10am – 12pm (BST)
- Location: LH124 (first floor), Learning Hub
Please bring a laptop or mobile device.
Wednesday 24 September
Session: Personal Tutorials
- Time: you can book your personal tutorial slot with your tutor on Monday 22 September, during the introduction session
- Location: Learning Hub (exact location tbc)
Thursday 25 September
Session: Fieldwork activity. This activity will develop your fieldwork skills and help you get to know other members of the class. Please dress for the weather – we will be spending part of the day outside in the local area. There will be a lunch break, so either bring some lunch with you or some money to buy food on campus/in the town centre.
- Time: 10am to 4pm (BST)
- Location: Meet in the Learning Hub – we will provide more details about this activity in the first session on Monday 22, and will check any accessibility needs. Any queries or concerns, email ruth.copeland-phillips@northampton.ac.uk