Student Inclusion in Biology
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student in the School of Biological Sciences can thrive. Our resources and initiatives are designed to enhance accessibility, promote diversity, and ensure that all students feel valued and equipped to succeed. Through student-led projects and staff partnerships, we continue to improve our teaching, fieldwork, and group learning practices to accommodate the diverse needs of our student community.
This Inclusive and Accessible Teaching Guide is designed to empower teaching staff to cultivate inclusive and accessible materials and learning environments.
Developed by Dr Dave Lawson, Dr Katherine Williams and Anna McQuillan
Student Disability Partners Project (23/24)
We are pleased to share two valuable resources created by Student Disability Partners Chloe Stevens and Kai Harper as part of a BILT-funded Education Development Project. This project, conducted in the 2023/24 academic year and supervised by Dr Dave Lawson, was designed to advance inclusivity and accessibility in our school by providing student-led insights and practical recommendations to ensure every student can fully engage with our curriculum.
Through their research and lived experiences, Chloe and Kai have produced insightful guides that address specific areas where inclusivity can be further enhanced:
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Running Inclusive University Field Courses For Disabled Students (PDF, 456kB) by Chloe Stevens: This guide outlines best practices for creating accessible field courses, offering strategies and examples to support diverse needs. Chloe’s experiences provide a unique perspective on overcoming practical barriers, making this guide a valuable tool for fostering inclusivity in our field courses.
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Inclusive Group Work Guidance (PDF, 209kB) by Kai Harper: This resource offers practical recommendations for structuring group work to accommodate students with social or sensory challenges. Kai’s guide includes templates and strategies to support inclusive group dynamics, promoting a respectful and adaptable learning environment for all.
These guides are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive academic environment.