Apprenticeship Project: Planning and Literature
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEM3029 | Chemistry | 3 | 30 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- CHEM3029
- School
- Chemistry
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Techniques for searching the chemical literature, retrieving and organising references, and how to effectively write a literature review will be outlined. Candidates will then work with both academic and industrial supervisors to explore the current literature and develop a scientific hypothesis that will be investigated during their research project. The project should have a chemistry focus and demonstrate novelty to differentiate from the tasks routinely undertaken by the apprentice. Project proposals including literature reviews, intellectual property reviews, business cases, proposed work packages, and experimental plans will be prepared and assessed. Particular attention will be drawn to the importance of a robust framework to ensure efficient management of experimental time and delivery of the project report.
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:
Classes
This module contains: 128 hours of project literature and planning; 15 hours of workshops; 1 hour of assessments.
Assessment
- 75% Coursework 1: Literature and Intellectual Property Review report
- 15% Coursework 2: Research Plan, Timeline, Business Case
- 10% Presentation: Project Pitch
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
This module is an essential precursor to the Apprenticeship Project: Implementation and Results module, which will be subsequently carried out in the final phase of the programme. Students will:1. Carry out a survey of the scientific literature, to gain an appreciation of any previous work that has been conducted that is relevant to the research problem in hand, and to set the proposed research into context.2. Complete an intellectual property survey and write a business case.3. Formulate a research plan (with timelines) to serve as a framework to guide the execution of the practical work of the research project.4. Present a project pitch to gain support of stakeholders.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 social media and information systems.
B24 Works autonomously and interact effectively including challenging assumptions within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team.
B25 Takes account of the impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality.
B26 Manages time effectively, being able to plan and complete work to schedule.
B27 Responds positively to change management processes and promotes change within work group.
B28 Takes responsibility for continuing personal and professional development, demonstrating commitment to learning and self-improvement and supports the development of others as appropriate.