SCI06018 2020 Work Based Learning Project

Make scientific observations, appraise laboratory data and propose explanations to scientific processes

Apply academic knowledge to the solution of problems.

Participate in the laboratory environment and express considered views on laboratory practice.

Reflect on work-based learning experience in view of self-appraisal.

Participation in this module including assessment is primarily experiential. Students are initially advised on work-based learning (WBL) through tutorials, where they begin to consider their work-based priorities. While participating in WBL, students are supervised by a professional, and an online or face-to-face meeting will be arranged by a member of academic staff to assess their progress. During WBL, students undertake a portfolio supervised by a professional and assessed by an academic member of staff. It is at this stage that students are able to put into practice their academic and professional training in the laboratory. On completion of WBL, the supervisor for each student will provide a detailed report which is discussed by the WBL tutor and the student.

Practical skills assessment [30%]

Practical skills assessment comprises two elements which are shown below with their respective weightings:

Tutor's Report (10%)

A report that is completed in conjunction with the student while completing the module and which covers specified objectives of work-based learning.

Supervisor's Report [20%]

A report completed by the student's supervisor, which assesses the progress of the student against specified criteria; the supervisor also provides comments.

Information and guidelines for Performance, including assessment criteria are included in the Work-based learning handbook which is provided to the students and their supervisors. Whilst there are feedback opportunities for the student during regular WBL meetings with his/her supervisor, and WBL tutor visits, at the end of WBL the Tutor will discuss with the student his/her Tutor's Report and Supervisor's Report.

Portfolio [70%]

The Work based learning Portfolio is designed to equip students with practical and interpretive skills necessary to work in a clinical, industrial or government laboratory and has a strong focus on the role of the student in the laboratory environment and interpretation of laboratory results. It will consist of three sections: 1. Laboratory notebook; 2. Laboratory Case Study write-ups; and 3. Work based learning summary.

Laboratory Notebook [18%]

A record of activities kept by the student while on work-based learning. This is to engender good laboratory practice and is expected to show descriptions of new procedures, results and conclusions drawn from results. {In certain circumstances, laboratories do not permit notebooks to be taken from the workplace; in such circumstances, supervisors are asked to assess the notebook}

Laboratory Case Study write-ups (32%)

During work based learning each student is required to compile a series of case studies or equivalent relevant to the specialist discipline in which the student is placed. The submitted portfolio is expected to show clear evidence of a proper scientific approach to laboratory work.

Work based learning summary (20%)

Students will summarise their work-based learning experience, covering an outline of duties and responsibilities, a self-appraisal on how WBL contributed to increased knowledge and improved practical, professional and transferable skills, and advice to students preparing for such a WBL module.

Information and guidelines for the Work based learning Portfolio, including assessment criteria are included in the Work-based learning handbook which is provided to the students and their supervisors. Feedback for all three Work based learning Portfolio sections will be written and detailed against each criteria as appropriate.

None

Theory: Developing knowledge of scientific processes and phenomena.

Practical: Direct experience of a professional laboratory and its associated techniques