Equal scope may be provided by selection of a recently-published work in the tutor's field of interest to provide a basis for discussion. However, it is essential that sufficient time is allocated to 'topics' outside of the lecturers field of expertise. Undergraduates could be instructed to read a research paper before the tutorial, to summarise essential findings, write or present a pr cis. Alternatively, the topic could be a current issue arousing media controversy and requiring informed scientific evaluation. Suggestions for tutorials will be circulated each year.
Past papers provide an extensive set of potential topics for tutorial work.
The internet also provides an increasing array of educational resources and is itself a potential topic for tutorials. Good old fashioned spots - getting students to try to identify or comment on biological materials is an excellent tutorial exercise, particularly good for breaking the ice and overcoming the reservations of new tutees. Other suitable tutorial material will be circulated to staff annually. Although tutors have a great deal of flexibility in the organisation, content and structure of their tutorials, the School has previously agreed a fairly extensive set of common responsibilities for tutors. It is imperative that these agreed responsibilities are understood and met by all.