External examiners

External examiners play an important role in maintaining high standards of teaching in biology. They are full members of the exam boards to which they are appointed.

In the School of Biological Sciences external examiners are appointed for 3 years (although this can be extended up to five years) to cover courses across several years. They are integral to the joint examination boards for years 1-3 and the Honours boards for year 4. This allows them to comment on both vertical and horizontal integration of teaching. Their roles include:

  • Provision of external examiners reports to the College of Science and Engineering
  • Meeting with students and staff to provide independent analysis of courses
  • Commenting on curriculum, course content, examination papers, assessment procedures, marking standards
  • Suggesting improvements in procedures and academic matters

Full details of codes of practice, assessment regulations and relevant forms are available on the Academic Services website:

Teaching staff can access a table of current examiners:

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