VOCATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT MODULES

Dr Pete Garson, School of Biology

Dr Sara Marsham & Prof. Matt Bentley, School of Marine Science & Technology

Innovation Fund Dissemination Event December 2012

Aim of project

Develop a pair of vocational career development modules in Biology (BIO2021) and Marine Science (MST2017)

10 credit Semester 2 modules Undertake training in Semester 1

Complete a work placement in Semester 2 NOT work experience! Carry out a task or project relating to research,

development or communication in Biology/Marine Science on behalf of placement provider

Funding used to employ an RA to develop the modules

Development tasks

Review vocational career development provision already in place across the University - build on good practice

Define content of training sessions with Careers Service team (Jessica Jung; Barbara Phillips-Kerr; Chris Traynor)

Network with potential providers in the region to set up placements

Develop all handbooks/assessment pro-formas

Collaborate with Helen Lowther (QuILT) to customise ePortfolio as a tool for student reflection and monitoring progress

Engage with students from all three Stages in focus group discussions during the project, to maximise the effectiveness of delivery from the start

Module structure

Taught sessions

Delivered by PG, SM, MGB, QuILT & Careers Service

Compulsory tutorials Timetabled group slots within a two hour window

Optional tutorials Sign up for individual/group slots if required

Three compulsory Careers Service Skills sessions

Careers Service drop-in

Assessment

Formative assessment:

Write CV and covering letter relevant to chosen placement

Take part in mock interview to develop skills

Complete health and safety check list

Assessment

Summative assessment:

Work Placement Plan

Reflective Report/Log

Placement Provider Assessment

Oral Presentation

Written Examination (NB: Marine Science students only)

Progress to date…

Confirmed placements from 15 providers for Biology and 17 providers for Marine Science within the region

14 students taking BIO2021; 50 students taking MST2017

Delivered Semester 1 training sessions in partnership with QuILT and the Careers Service

Students currently applying for/attending interviews to complete placements in semester 2

Acknowledgments

QuILT for providing funding through their Innovation Fund

Lorna McGowan for undertaking the developmental work

Jessica Jung, Barbara Phillips-Kerr & Chris Traynor from the Careers Service for delivering sessions

Helen Lowther from QuILT for support with ePortfolio

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Thank you for listening

Any questions?