Apprenticeship Project: Implementation and Results

Code

CHEM3028

School

Chemistry

Level

3

Credits

60

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will enable apprenticeship students to undertake a Chemistry research project in their host company. A wide range of projects will be undertaken depending on the sector in which the apprentice is employed. The project will build on the previous Apprentice Project module in which a literature review has been undertaken, the project has been planned and approved following a pitch to staff from the company and University. The project should have a chemistry focus and demonstrate novelty to differentiate from the tasks routinely undertaken by the apprentice. The apprentice will have an Industrial Supervisor from the employer and an Academic Supervisor from the University who will monitor the progress of the project on a regular basis.  The apprentice will present their findings in a written report, in a presentation, and through the preparation of a non-confidential visual outreach display (poster, prototype etc) suitable for a general audience. The assessment of the project will cover the report, level of engagement, presentation of results, performance in an oral exam and creation of non-confidential visual materials for outreach activities.

Target Students

BSc Hons Chemistry with Industry or Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprentices.

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Apprenticeship Project: Planning and Literature (CHEM3029)

Classes

This module contains: 273 hours of project; 12 hours of workshops; 3 hours of assessments.

Assessment

• 15% Coursework 1: Report by Industrial Supervisor assessment(s) of experimental and theoretical work (practical performance) during project
• 15% Viva voce: Viva voce conducted by Industrial and Academic supervisors.
• 40% Coursework 2: Research Report assessments by the Industrial and Academic supervisors.
• 15% Presentation: Presentation assessed by the Industrial and Academic supervisors.
• 15% Coursework 3: Creation of non-confidential visual material (poster, prototype display etc) for general public outreach.

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Elements of the following knowledge, skills and behaviours will be built upon in this module:
K1 The underlying scientific principles, principal theories, concepts and terminology of laboratory-based experimentation, including laboratory techniques relevant to the specialist discipline.
K2 The ways in which advanced science and technology is developed, established techniques of scientific enquiry and research methodologies.
K3 The theoretical basis for application of the science relevant to one specialist discipline including how to apply this during experimental design and implementation of research programmes.
K4 The requirements for the development and validation of analytical methods and instrumentation, including suitable sampling methods as appropriate to the specialist discipline.
K5 How to use statistical techniques, probability distributions, significance testing & confidence limits, regression & correlation and hypothesis testing to evaluate results, design experiments and draw evidence-based conclusions.
K6 How to independently implement new processes according to the literature, data mining results and input from colleagues.
K7 How to initiate, plan, execute and close a project and incorporate the organisation’s project management procedures into the scientific work environment working with team members.
K8 The requirements of internal or external customers and how to recommend the appropriate workflows, improvements or scientific solutions.
K9 The internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the science sector and area of specialisation, for example Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
K10 The business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct.
S11 Identify and use the scientific approaches appropriate to one specialist discipline required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory.
S12 Appraise scientific experimentation, independently design and implement new processes according to relevant literature and other data sources interrogated using data mining techniques and input from colleagues.
S13 Support appraisal of scientific experimentation with numerical and statistical analysis.
S14 Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data and present the results of laboratory work and problem solving clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
S15 Comply with regulations including compliance with business rules pertaining to record keeping, data integrity, traceability & confidentiality.
S16 Promote and ensure the application of quality standards, safe working practices and compliance with risk management systems relevant to the workplace in own work and the work of others.
S17 Use creative thinking and problem-solving techniques such as root cause analysis, to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
S18 Autonomously plan and prioritise tasks, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios.
S19 Contribute to the development of specific technical projects across multi-disciplinary teams.
S20 Ensure that targets are met and maintained, within own area of responsibility, whilst complying with defined company procedures and legislative requirements.
S21 Lead continuous performance improvement within the scientific and technical environment using process mapping & analysis and root cause analysis that is informed by other appropriate principles, such as lean, six sigma, project and change management.
B22 Communicates effectively to a scientific and non-scientific audience using oral presentation, scientific debate & technical writing skills.
B23 Demonstrates reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters, including appropriate use of.

Conveners

• Professor Graham Newton