Message from Biomedical Engineering lecturer

Hi, my name is Dr. Bisola Mutingwende and I am a Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering here at Birmingham City University (BCU).

With the start of University just around the corner, I am sure that you are very excited, but naturally a little apprehensive as well. Here are some hints and tips to make your transition into uni life as smooth as possible and hopefully ease any anxieties you might have.

What you can expect from this course:

You can expect an engaging course that encourages you to express your thoughts and opinions, with plenty of time allocated to independent learning. Workshops and labs may be more hands-on and interactive than previously experienced, so I would recommend preparing beforehand using the pre-session online resources.

How you will be looked after at BCU:

Myself and Vivek, the course director will be available to help and support you throughout the course. In addition, all students have a nominated personal tutor when first starting to contact for general support and advice. You will also have access to Student Success Advisors, who are recent graduates employed to ensure that the course runs smoothly and communication is fluent, as well as ASK –the university’s integrated student enquiry service, the career’s team, our library, Students’ Union (SU) and more!

Get involved in uni life:

You will have lots of opportunities outside of the course to join societies and sports teams. You will also have the opportunity to represent the course by becoming a course ambassador or student academic leader.

What you should know before starting:

Get familiar with the sources of the University’s online information such as: The intranet which provides a single point access for everything you need. To access key services including timetables; specific to your course. The University’s Virtual Learning Environment - it provides information to support your learning as well as interactive facilities such as discussion groups, on-line tests, student records, marks for your work and so on. The main Birmingham City University web site provides links to public information about the university.

Where to explore in Birmingham:

Visit the Birmingham library, if you haven’t already – it has its own Roof garden and a Shakespeare Memorial Room. Dine in Chinatown and explore our famous Balti’s in the Balti Triangle. Take in a show at the theatre, visit The Custard Factory or visit our stunning open spaces – campus is right next door to Botanical Gardens.

And finally, some things you might want to bring with you when starting are a laptop, your mobile phone, USB memory stick, pens, notepad, highlighter, post-it notes, course readers and other study books.

If you have any questions before starting your course, please feel free to email me . I hope to welcome you soon.