University of Birmingham Dr Paul Davies p.w.davies@bham.ac.uk

1. University Perspective on Industrial PlacementsMSci Chemistry with Industrial Experience (Yr in Industry) University of Birmingham Dr Paul Davies p.w.davies@bham.ac.uk

2. The Degree Programme MSci [CIE] • Year 1 • Year 2 • Year 3 • 30 credits: Theory • Distance learning • 90 credits: Work based learning • Year 4 • 80 credits: Project based • 40 credits Standard MSci • Year 1 • Year 2 • Year 3 • 80 credits: Theory • 60 core • 20 options • 40 credits: Practical/project based • Year 4 • 80 credits: Project based • 40 credits

3. The Year in Industry Distance Learning – 30 credits Theory provided with embedded problem solving by a combination of work-book form and electronically through School VLE (WebCT) Work-Based Learning – 90 credits Industrial supervisor grades (with regular written reports) – 35% Oral presentation – 10% [to cohort at University] Written report – 55% [to examiners – confidentiality agreement] Visits from Academic supervisor

4. University Perspective: Value to Student • Provides insight into how research is used to create and interpret knowledge in chemistry • Wider transferable and transformation skills - experience of the “real-world” • Enhanced training opportunity (work experience – without long term commitment) • Receive specialised training (not available at University) • Enhanced research component to the degree programme • Increased employability • Financial aspects • Widened social and professional networks • Increased maturity

5. University Perspective: Advantages to University • Develops understanding of job market/external competition in the student body • Students return for their final year both highly motivated and relatively experienced and more independent • Personal and professional development translates to the rest of the cohort (healthy competition) • Increasing employability of our graduates • Developing links with industry [potential direct/indirect benefits]

6. University Perspective: Advantages to Industry • Increased brand awareness in potential employee pool • Young, enthusiastic, vibrant personnel (who are used to learning) • Identifying suitable employees from the upper reaches of the student spectrum • Longer term links to recruitment pools

7. Potential Problems with Placements • Student doesn’t integrate into professional environment • Struggles with combination of work and University based demands. • Non-suitable roles (too menial, insufficient variation and training, not chemical enough) • Lack of recognition of student-role • Facilities up to scratch? e.g. IT/Library • Professional development • Student disengages (40% of total degree grade) • Are there enough suitable placement opportunities

8. University Perspective: Placement opportunities at SME’s • Significant potential to develop new positions, in environments where the student can feel they make a big difference • Smaller companies may not have an established training infrastructure • University has a duty of care to the student and before agreeing to placements (for integrated courses) we check: • Access to library facilities (online) • Access to IT facilities • Access to research and other equipment • Contact with experienced research workers • Contact with academic staff • Access to relevant support personnel • Access to communications (e.g. email) • Access to mentor/local academic advisor • Access to facilities to support any study related disability • Health and safety management • Will the student be covered by the host organisations insurance? • Is it clear that the learning outcomes for the placement can be met?