Academic Advice in MVLS
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught students in MVLS can attend short classes, access slides and guides on Moodle, or make an appointment with the Effective Learning Adviser for the College (or one of her Graduate Teaching Assistants) to talk about anything related to their academic work.
Common topics include:
- academic writing (essays, lab reports, research proposals)
- critical analysis
- scientific presentations
- time and project management
- effective, evidence-based study and revision methods
Class Timetables
Summer Classes (June - August)
Science Dissertation Writing (Online)
This particular course will be led jointly by the Effective Learning Advisers for MVLS and for Science & Engineering.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=12843
| Date & Time | Title | Description | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 3rd Jun 11:00 - 12:00 |
Your Dissertation from Beginning to End | This class examines what the whole dissertation process looks like, from choosing a title to handing in your finished product. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84098828517 | |
|
Wed 4th Jun |
Writing a Literature Review | This class will explore the process of finding and critically analysing journal articles, as well as how to incorporate academic literature into your writing. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84337210725 | |
| Thu 5th Jun 11:00 - 12:00 |
Developing a Methodology | We outline things to consider when designing your research methods and discuss how to write your methods chapter. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/89962520555 | |
| Wed 18th Jun 11:00 - 12:00 |
Your Dissertation from Beginning to End | This class examines what the whole dissertation process looks like, from choosing a title to handing in your finished product. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/82072077539 | |
|
Thu 19th Jun |
Writing a Literature Review | This class will explore the process of finding and critically analysing journal articles, as well as how to incorporate academic literature into your writing. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/82645865965 | |
| Fri 20th Jun 11:00 - 12:00 |
Developing a Methodology | We outline things to consider when designing your research methods and discuss how to write your methods chapter. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/86088344601 | |
| Mon 30th Jun 13:00 - 14:00 |
Your Dissertation from Beginning to End | This class examines what the whole dissertation process looks like, from choosing a title to handing in your finished product. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84649273161 | |
|
Tue 1st Jul |
Writing a Literature Review | This class will explore the process of finding and critically analysing journal articles, as well as how to incorporate academic literature into your writing. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84862257321 | |
| Wed 2nd Jul 13:00 - 14:00 |
Developing a Methodology | We outline things to consider when designing your research methods and discuss how to write your methods chapter. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/86891088268 | |
|
Thu 3rd Jul |
Presenting your Findings | This class looks at the most effective way of discussing your data and writing about your results in the context of your field. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/89471550444 | |
| Fri 4th Jul 13:00 - 14:00 |
Editing and Proofreading | The class looks at the stages of editing and proofreading that you need to complete in order to achieve a polished and professional dissertation. | https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/81685627203 | |
Introduction to Statistics (for any UofG Student) (In-person)
This particular course will be led by the Maths and the Statistics Advisers.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=19841
| Date & Time | Title | Description | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 4th Jun 12:00 - 13:00 |
Maths for Stats Workshops: Understanding Formulae |
These two workshops are designed as a reminder of the essential maths skills needed for statistics, and are aimed at students who have encountered little or no maths in their degree so far. This session will cover common mathematical notation, rearranging equations and the types of mathematical relationship you will need to be familiar with (e.g. linear, exponential). |
St Andrews Building 230 |
|
Thu 5th Jun |
Introduction to R | This first of six session introduces some of the basic functionality of R Studio. Bring your laptop with you to follow along! We will become comfortable with R Studio and use it to create impactful graphs and predictive models. This series is for any student who will be working with data as part of their assignments, project, or dissertation. It will cover some fundamental concepts in statistics as well as how to use R Studio, a widely used statistical environment, to perform and present analyses. | St Andrews Building 432 |
| Wed 11th Jun 12:00 - 13:00 |
Maths for Stats Workshop: What is Probability? |
These two workshops are designed as a reminder of the essential maths skills needed for statistics, and are aimed at students who have encountered little or no maths in their degree so far. This session will cover the basics of probability, introducing how we think about it mathematically and how this relates to real life. |
St Andrews Building 230 |
| Thu 12th Jun 12:00 - 13:00 |
Descriptive Statistics | This second of six sessions covers measures of central tendencies, dispersion, and position. Here we will be able to address the question "When is it better to use the median instead of the mean?" | St Andrews Building 432 |
| Thu 19th Jun 12:00 - 13:00 |
Probability | To certainly give students a better chance of answering the question "how likely was that?", our third of six sessions covers the basic rules of probability, as well as both discrete and continuous probability distributions | St Andrews Building 432 |
| Thu 26th Jun 12:00 - 13:00 |
Hypothesis Testing | This fourth of six sessions will cover hypothesis testing, which is used to draw conclusions about a whole population from a sample of data, e.g. how can news outlets call an election with only a fraction of the votes tallied? We will discuss how to choose the null and alternative hypothesis, and which distributions to use. | St Andrews Building 432 |
| Thu 3rd Jul 12:00 - 13:00 |
Simple and Multiple Linear Regression | This fifth of six sessions will discuss the relationship, or more precisely the correlation, between variables, and how to describe these relationships using simple and multiple linear regression. We will use R to generate a best fit line to pairwise ordered data, and then also generate a more complex linear model. | St Andrews Building 432 |
| Thu 10th Jul 12:00 - 13:00 |
Logistic Regression | Does the amount of time a student spends studying increase the probability of passing their course, and if so, what’s my probability of passing if I spend x hours studying? This last of six sessions will show how this can be answered using logistic regression, and how this can be implemented in R. | St Andrews Building 432 |
Dissertation Writing Incubators (Hybrid)
Writing incubators provide a space for students to come together and work with members of the SLD's Peer Learning Team. We will divide our time between work (you choose what work you do, e.g. writing a section in your dissertation), and a break that provides space for you to ask questions about dissertations to SLD's Peer Learning Team.
Dissertation Writing for International Students (In-person)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=15181
| Date | Time | Class | Class Description | Location |
| Tuesday 24th June | 11:00-12:00 | Reading for your Dissertation | This class explores strategies for selecting and completing reading for your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 25th June | 11:00-12:00 | Being Critical of Literature | This class discusses how to write about academic literature in a critical and analytical way in your literature review. | Davidson Building, 208: Mian Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 1st July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing about Methodology | This class discusses how efffectively to plan and write the methods/methodology section in your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 2nd July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing about Data and Findings | This class discusses writing about data and findings in your dissertation and osme elements of presenting data in graphs and figures. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 8th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Discussion Chapter | This class explores the aims and writing of the discussion section/analytical sections in your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 9th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing an Introduction Chapter | This class discusses dissertation introductions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 15th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Conclusion Chapter | This class explores dissertation conclusions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 16th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Dissertation Abstract | This class discusses dissertation abstracts, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
Dissertation Peer Workshops for International Students (Hybrid)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=15181
| Date | Time | Class Description | Location |
| Wednesday 25th June | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will be able to discuss criticality, what it means to approach reading critically, and practice doing so with the help of a facilitator. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 26th June | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will be able to discuss criticality, what it means to approach reading critically, and practice doing so with the help of a facilitator. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 2nd July | 15:00-16:00 | This session offers you a space to reflect with your peers on what makes good/bad methodology, techniques on how to choose the right one for your project, and how to write about it in your dissertation. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 3rd July | 15:00-16:00 | This session offers you a space to reflect with your peers on what makes good/bad methodology, techniques on how to choose the right one for your project, and how to write about it in your dissertation. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 9th July | 15:00-16:00 | Dissertations have a range of different chapter types. Discuss and engage in facilitated activities with your peers to learn more about the demands of each of these kinds and how to approach writing them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 10th July | 15:00-16:00 | Dissertations have a range of different chapter types. Discuss and engage in facilitated activities with your peers to learn more about the demands of each of these kinds and how to approach writing them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 16th July | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will think collaboratively about the work that introductions and conclusoin are supposed to do in the dissertation, and consider strategies to write them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 17th July | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will think collaboratively about the work that introductions and conclusoin are supposed to do in the dissertation, and consider strategies to write them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
Pre-recorded classes and online materials
These classes offer a mix of online materials and resources you can work through at your own pace. Some are classes held in the previous semester. All contain useful resources, including some recordings of past live classes. Check back regularly for updates.
Assessment and Feedback
This particular course will be led jointly by the Effective Learning Advisers for MVLS and for Science & Engineering.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10317
| Date & Time | Title | Description | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7th February 12:00 - 13:00 |
Using Feedback | This class looks at the different types of feedback you may receive during your studies at how to use feedback to identify potential improvements in your work. | Adam Smith Building 588AB | |
|
Tue 25th March |
Calculation Based Exam Preparation | This class discusses different types of calculation or maths questions that you may encounter in your exams, and strategies on how best to approach them. | Zoom (Passcode: 121682) | |
| Wed 26th March 17:00 - 18:00 |
Sciences Exam Preparation | This class discusses different types of calculation or maths questions that you may encounter in your exams, and strategies on how best to approach them. | Zoom (Passcode: 905024) | |
Science Writing: Advanced Criticality
This particular course is led jointly by the Effective Learning Advisers for MVLS and for Science & Engineering. The live classes only run in Semester 1, but you can still find all the slides and resources on the Moodle page below. And don't hesitate to get in touch if you have questions.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10315
| Date & Time | Title | Description | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 9th Oct 12:00 - 13:00 |
Sourcing Evidence from the Literature | We will look at how to get the most out of academic databases, and what to look for when sourcing evidence from the literature. | 5 The Square 330 |
| Wed 16th Oct 12:00 - 13:00 |
Critical Reading | This class explores the next stage of critical analysis: reading your sources. We look at the questions you should ask and ways of keeping your records organised. | 5 The Square 330 |
| Wed 23rd Oct 12:00 - 13:00 |
Writing a Critical Review | In this class, we focus on how to structure and write a critical review of a single study. | 5 The Square 330 |
| Wed 30th Oct 12:00 - 13:00 |
Writing a Literature Review | This class looks at putting together a review of several studies that address a common topic. | 5 The Square 330 |
Communicating Science
This particular course is led jointly by the Effective Learning Advisers for MVLS and for Science & Engineering. The live classes only run in Semester 1, but you can still find all the slides and resources on the Moodle page below. And don't hesitate to get in touch if you have questions.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=12927
| Date & Time | Title | Description | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 10th Oct 13:00-14:00 |
Academic presentations | This class covers designing and delivering an academic slideshow using Microsoft PowerPoint. | James McCune Smith Learning Hub 630 |
| Thu 17th Oct 13:00-14:00 |
Academic posters | We'll look at some academic poster examples, as well as how to present one at an event (either in-class or at a conference) and how to manage audience questions. | James McCune Smith Learning Hub 630 |
| Thu 24th Oct 13:00-14:00 |
Presenting data | This class looks at making tables and figures clear, and techniques to deconstruct dense visual data to highlight the most important parts to your audience. | James McCune Smith Learning Hub 630 |
| Thu 31st Oct 13:00-14:00 |
Defining your audience | We'll look at the different levels of science literacy you might expect across audiences (peers, experts, public), and how to cater to those differences. | James McCune Smith Learning Hub 630 |
| Thu 7th Nov 13:00-14:00 |
Persuasion, argumentation, and rhetoric | This class looks at techniques to communicate the meaning of data - e.g. analogy, demonstration, infographic, common misunderstanding, etc. | James McCune Smith Learning Hub 630 |
Science Writing: Fundamentals
> Moodle page for this series - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10316
This is an asynchronous course which you can access anytime. There are no live classes.
| Title | Description |
| Planning and structuring an essay | A well structured essay will ensure that your writing is clear and concise with logical flow. In this class, we'll look at how to plan your essay and structure your argument. |
| Lab report writing | A lab report usually follows a standard format, with each section of the report fulfilling a unique job. We'll work through these sections and tell you what the expectations are for each. |
| Reflective writing | In many science degrees (particularly in clinical subjects) you are required to reflect on your practice and communicate your learning. We'll look at how to write reflectively for an academic audience. |
| Referencing and plagiarism | This class will show you how to cite according to the University's requirements so that your writing is professional and credible. |
Assessments and Academic Development (CoSE & MVLS)
> Moodle page for this series - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10317
This is an asynchronous resource which you can access anytime.
| Title | Description |
| Lectures, labs, and tutorials | We discuss how to approach your classes in a strategic way so that you get the most out this valuable time with your lecturers. |
| Working in groups | Group work is an integral part of many degree courses. This class will show you how to get the most out of assessed and informal group work. |
| Exam revision strategies | We will show you the best revision strategies, and how to combine them to the best effect in the weeks before an exam. |
| Avoiding procrastination | Procrastination is normal! But this class will help if you feel that it is getting in the way of your studies. |
Appointments
Undergraduate and PGT students can make an appointment with one of the advising team (GUID required). The booking diary shows appointments available in the next 21 days only.
Dr Rosalind McKenna
Rosalind has a PhD in Biology from the University of St Andrews, during which she used the ladybird-aphid predator-prey system to study behavioural interactions and search strategies. During her postgraduate study (2018-2022), she taught extensively in labs and tutorials, delivered lectures, and designed teaching materials. In 2019, Rosalind also designed and co-presented a course on data visualisation, delivered to secondary school science teachers for the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC). From April 2022 to June 2023, Rosalind gained experience in the University of Glasgow Undergraduate Medical School in her role as the MBChB1 Teaching Administrator. She is now the Effective Learning Adviser for students in the College of MVLS.
Teaching Requests
Rosalind currently lectures on every undergraduate degree and most postgraduate degrees across MVLS. To find out what teaching she can offer on your course, email her: rosalind.mckenna@glasgow.ac.uk
Publications
Rosalind is the co-author of Presenting Scientific Data in R (Oxford University Press). This book, primarily written for students embarking on undergraduate bioscience degrees, aims to provide an accessible, straightforward, and approachable guide to data presentation using R.
Rosalind has also published a range of research and review papers on a variety of behavioural ecology topics.
rosalind.mckenna@glasgow.ac.uk
Room 316
McMillan Reading Room
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
G12 8QQ
