Life Science Success

They are the first graduates from a course which started in 1992 to make biological degrees more accessible to mature and younger students who lacked traditional science entrance qualifications. The course, run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College on its Carlett Park site at Eastham, takes advantage of developments in the first year curriculum of the biological science degrees at the University from 1990. It was at this point that the University, after several years preparation, introduced a compulsory set of courses for all biological science students to take in the first semester of their first year. The new four year Life Sciences degree exploited this as the basis for a year and a half of study at the College prior to joining with first year university students in the second semester.

At Wirral Metropolitan College the students study a lot more background material in biology, as well as the topics covered in the University courses. They also take supporting classes in chemistry, mathematics, IT and study skills.

The Director of Studies for this course, University lecturer Dr Meriel Jones, said that it was aimed at people who had the ability and determination to gain an Honours degree in the biological sciences, but lacked scientific knowledge at the beginning.

'Some of these are mature men and women who want a career change or to fulfil a long-standing ambition. Others have just left school with good qualifications, but in subjects which are unsuitable for embarking on a biological degree. This degree lets them start studying straight away with a small group of committed individuals, meaning both the students and the College staff. After building-up their knowledge and confidence over the first eighteen months, the students then move over to the University side of the course. The degrees obtained by this first group of students are ample evidence of the success of this four year degree course,' she said.

The Team Leader at Wirral Met, Mr Bill Cockayne, said that one of the strengths of the course was the way in which the students were kept in touch with the University during their College studies. This included participation in a biochemistry practical class, using an electron microscope and making use of the University Botanic Gardens at Ness. One other important aspect was guidance on specialisation within biology.

'We have always arranged for the Life Science students to spend a day with a final year student at the University, but this year we could pair them with someone who had themselves come through the same route,' he said. 'This, together with a meeting with University lecturers over mince-pies around Christmas, is one of the highlights of the first year.'