The University of Manchester Library
The University of Manchester Library provides you with the resources and support you need throughout your Life Sciences programme. The Main Library and Stopford Library house all of the essential text books. The Library also has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and journals available online.
The My Library tab in My Manchester has quick links to all of the Library’s resources and services available to students.
Getting Started
All the information you need to get started at the Library is found on the Get Started page of the library website. You will need your student card to access all library sites around campus. Many of our services and resources also require you to confirm that you are a registered student. This authentication can be your student card, the ID number on the card, your Library PIN, the central username and password you use to log on, or a combination of these.
There is a library guide for Biological Sciences students giving all of the latest information on resources and learning and research services available. This is a good starting point if you are looking for any library resources or information related to your course. There is also a separate guide for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.
The Main Library
The Main Library holds the principal collection of Biological Sciences books and journals available.
Biological Sciences textbooks are available on Floor 2 of the Blue Area but some copies are held in the High Demand Collection for 1 night loan. Books and periodicals in other related subjects such as Biology are located in other areas of the Main Library. The Library Search facility will let you know what items are available and where to find them including eBooks and online journals. All the main biological science databases are available including Web of Science, Biosis Previews, Biological Sciences, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Zoological Record. These can be used to discover what has been published on a particular subject. The electronic resources can be accessed both on-campus and remotely.
The Main Library offers group study rooms, individual study space options and computer clusters. WiFi is available throughout the building and a cafe lounge can be found on the ground floor. The Library has long opening hours and extends these during exam periods. Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details.
The Stopford Library
The Stopford Library also has a computer suite, wifi and 6 group study rooms with a large table and 14 chairs, a 32 inch LCD monitor and a large “squiggle” board. Bookings can be made via My Manchester or at the customer service desk in the Stopford Library.
Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details.
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art learning environment with 24/7 opening hours throughout term-time. The Learning Commons has flexible open learning spaces with multimedia facilities, computer clusters and 30 bookable group study rooms with whiteboards and media screens and iPads available for loan.
Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details.
My Learning Essentials
My Learning Essentials is the Library’s comprehensive programme of online resources, workshops and drop-ins designed to support you in your personal and professional development.
Workshops and drop-ins are held throughout the year and include special sessions during exams and the summer. Our online resources are available at all times, providing flexible support for your development from undergraduate to postgraduate level and beyond.
Full details of workshops and online resources can be viewed on the My Learning Essentials website.
The My Learning Essentials programme is run by The University of Manchester Library in collaboration with other services across campus.