Module B1 Study Book - the Graduate School of the Environment

A warm welcome to the new students; you join us at an interesting time. You
will be feeling rather strange as our way of doing things is very different to
that of other programmes. It runs in a different way, makes different demands
on you and hopefully will give you a pleasant and rewarding experience. We
have spent a lot of time preparing a Student Handbook which contains much
(probably too much) information on how things work here and what you are
required to do. You should, but you probably won’t, take time to read this.
You will be allocated to a Seminar Group which you will stay with throughout
your time on the course and the staff member associated with this group will
be your first and main contact for both teaching and pastoral purposes. There
will be existing students in each group and they will help you to understand
how things work. All administrative enquiries should be directed at Bryony
Benfield who is our full time Programme Administrator. Do not attempt to
contact anyone at UEL unless Bryony advises you to do so.
Student Feedback
This programme takes Student Feedback very seriously. There is a Feedback
form at the end of each Module in which your comments are sought and very
often acted upon. Also at lunchtime every Saturday of the Module there is a
meeting between staff and students for an opportunity for wider comments. I
usually respond to the written feedback as follows:-
Hand in essays at beginning of module
This produces much debate. Most students seem to rely on touching up their
essays during the week or responding to their Presentation. Others need this
extra time to complete the essay. Others, which seem to be in the minority,
want the hand in at the beginning. We need to debate this further
Need more Printers. Need access to internet wifi
The former is under consideration. At the present time CAT has a policy of
limiting wireless activity.
Too hot in the theatre
For several years the heating in the Straw Bale theatre has been inadequate.
At times the temperature was as low as 5 deg C and there were many many
complaints. Now the situation has been improved by underfloor heating. I
personally find this very satisfactory as does most others. But you can’t suit
them all!!
Staff enthusiasm and effort overall is absolutely fantastic. What a lot of
work. Thanks! We love you guys!!
Particularly enjoyed Kara’s lecture; very good to redress the physics bias.
Good to make us think why we are here.
Welcome