Date as postmark
BIOMEDICAL TEACHING ORGANISATION
SCHOOL of BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
The University of Edinburgh
Medical School
Teviot Place
Edinburgh EH8 9AG
Email: P.Larkman@ed.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)131 650 3517
Dear Student,
As part of the programme of events to welcome you and help you establish yourself on the B.Sc.
Medical Sciences at Edinburgh we have organised a study trip to the University Field Centre at
Firbush Point on Loch Tay over the weekend of Friday 3rd October 2014 to Sunday 5th October
2014. This study weekend is for first year Medical Sciences students. There is another trip to Firbush
for second year students in late October, therefore, students who have been offered and accept
direct entry to the second year will be expected to attend the second year study weekend. Further
details concerning the second year study weekend will be given at the start of the programme.
The weekend will involve a series of Medical Sciences-based activities aimed at developing an
understanding of the ethos and objectives of the degree programme. It is hoped that these activities
will promote interactions between students as well as interactions between students and Medical
Sciences staff thereby facilitating the development of a sense of identity with, and involvement in,
the degree programme.
The Firbush Field Centre provides excellent facilities for a range of outdoor activities from the highly
energetic to the sedate (sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, hill walking, orienteering to
mention a few) and while these will form an integral part of the weekends activities, student
participation is optional. More information on the facilities at Firbush can be obtained from the
following web url,
http://www.sport.ed.ac.uk/facilities/outdoor_centres/outdoor_firbush.shtm
The timetable for the weekend will involve,
Fri 3rd October Afternoon
Depart by coach for Firbush for introductory Medical Sciences
sessions
Sat 4th October
Day of Outdoor activities and Medical Sciences activities
Evening Lecture “The importance of research in Medical Sciences”
Dr Gary Entrican, Moredun Research Institute.
Sun 5th October
Outdoor Activities
5.30pm - Depart back for Edinburgh
~8.00pm - Arrive George Square
This weekend is an important opportunity for students to integrate into the degree programme and,
therefore, we feel that it is essential that students attend. There is no charge for this study skills
weekend.
Attached is a reply slip which we would like you to return to us at the Medical Sciences induction
session on Tuesday 9th September indicating whether you will attend the weekend or not. If you
feel you are unable to attend please arrange a meeting during Fresher’s week with Dr Larkman to
discuss your circumstances. Please also indicate on this reply slip if you have any special dietary or
other requirements.
A meeting will be arranged for the beginning of the week commencing 23rd September to discuss
essential details like “What do I need to take with me?” though please see the “What to bring to
Firbush” document in this joining pack.
With Best Wishes,
Dr. Philip M. Larkman
(Medical Sciences Programme Organiser)