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Physician Associates: Academic skills support

A guide to finding information for Physician Associate students. Includes links to key resources and sources of help.

The Study Advice Team are here to help you develop the academic skills you need to successfully complete your studies. This includes support for:

  • Starting your studies and Postgraduate study
  • Time management
  • Academic writing, including reports and using sources in your work
  • Assignments and exams
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reflection

On this page are a selection of key resources which are most relevant to students in food and nutritional sciences. There's much more! Explore the full range of support by following this link:

Avoiding plagiarism - how to use sources in your assignments

Pile of books on a deskWorking with academic integrity is key for being successful at university. This includes appropriate acknowledgement of all the sources you are using to produce your assignments.

See the tabs in this box for specific guidance on:

  • Avoiding unintentional plagiarism
  • Using quotes and parapharases
  • Using Turnitin to proofread your work

See also the Academic Integrity Toolkit for a more comprehensive introduction to academic practice and avoiding plagiarism: 

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Avoiding Unintentional Plagiarism video on YuJa (University username and password required)

Watch these videos for guidance on when and how to use quotes and paraphrases in your assignments.

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the How to use long and short quotes video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Using paraphrases video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Getting the most out of Turnitin video on YuJa (University username and password required)

Assessment and feedback

An academic giving feedback to a studentThroughout your course of study, your lecturers and tutors will provide you with feedback on your work. Successful students use feedback as a key tool to plan independent learning and skills development.

See the tabs in this box for specific guidance on:

  • How to interpret my assessment brief
  • Making the most of feedback

For a more comprehensive review of assessment and feedback, including reflective ways to use feedback, check the Study Advice guide below:

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the How to interpret my assessment brief video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Making the most of your feedback video on YuJa (University username and password required)

Organisation and time management

clockBeing able to work independently is a significant part of studying at university level. Do you find independent study a challenge? How effectively are you using your time? 

Check out the Study Advice tips and resources for developing your organisation and time management skills:

See the tabs in this box for tips on:

  • Making a semester plan
  • Organising your weekly schedule
  • Finding more time in your day

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Making a Semester Plan video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Making a study timetable video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Making more hours in the day video on YuJa (University username and password required)

Academic writing

student with pencil and calculatorAcademic writing is one of the key skills you will develop through working on your written assignments. 

Study Advice offers a range of targeted guidance on different aspects of writing at university level. Check out the guides below and the tabs in this box with selected video tutorials on: 

  • Choosing a structure for your assignments
  • Targeted reading and use of evidence in your work

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Structuring your essay video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Finding a structure for your Report video on YuJa (University username and password required)

If you are unable to view this video on YouTube it is also available on YuJa - view the Targeted reading and use of evidence video on YuJa (University username and password required)

Group work

team sport sceneDuring your studies, you will find yourself involved in various group projects and assessments. Working as part of a team, therefore, is an essential skill you will develop, useful even beyond your time at university!

Group work comes with a range of potential challenges. The Study Advice guide below offers useful tips and resources for: 

  • Managing key challenges in group work
  • Building a successful team
  • Becoming a valuable team member

Support from the Study Advice Team

Our Study Advice Team

For quick queries come along to the daily drop-in for quick enquiries. Mon-Fri 1-2pm in semester-time at the Study Advice and Academic Liaison Support Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library.

For more in-depth support please make an appointment using the link below:

Useful books