This module provides some fundamental learning and academic skills for students on the Foundation Degree in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. It is intended to introduce a number of key skills which you will need to draw on in your future academic and professional careers. Maths, study skills and academic writing are covered together with a personal development folder based on work-based placements. This module is designed to aid you to find successful employment.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module is delivered across the year, with around four hours of contact per week split between lectures, workshops and tutorials, with an emphasis on workshop and tutorial sessions. Core material is given through lectures and supported in problem solving workshops. Further activities will support studnets to develop employability skills and prepare them for placement activities and experiences. Additional support will be provided through blended learning, computer-aided learning and through Canvas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures and workshops Tutorials | 88 |
| Guided independent study | 124 | |
| Study abroad / placement | Work-based placements (this includes any activity associated with placements) | 88 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
This module has an in module maths test which accounts for 25% of the overall mark, the remainder being coursework.
There will be a combination of both formative and summative maths test to help with the students understanding of maths when applied to a science, particularly pharmacy, setting. They will be in 'exam-like' conditions, so they know the feeling of time constraints when completing an assignment.
The student has to assemble a structured reflective portfolio with the aim of building the student's portfolio of work-based activities. These will include having CVs and covering letters. They will build up this portfolio and also have reflective pieces, reviewing their own work. This will help them in the practical side of looking for work or for placements. It should also form a valuable resource for future employment. The portfolio will be reviewed formatively through the year and feedback given. At the end of the year the student's portfolio will be summatively assessed. (NOTE: This is not a portfolio of assessed activities/assignments but a portfolio of materials which is assessed as a single piece of work)
The role play will help students with their empathy skills and interview skills. This will help in their future careers if they wish to transfer onto pharmacy, as well as when they are trying to look for work. In addition, it will support their communication skills as future pharmacists and/or scientists. The role play will be summatively assessed.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Perform standard mathematical and statistical calculations and perform algebraic manipulation and apply the techniques of calculus to mathematical equations and solve numerical problems. | Maths test |
| 2) Apply statistics and have an understanding of measurement uncertainty; evaluate measures of spread and variation of data sets | Maths test Structured reflective portfolio |
| 3) Develop study and professional skills | Structured reflective portfolio Role playing exercise |
| 4) Produce documents for personal and career development | Structured reflective portfolio |
| 5) Produce a structured reflective portfolio containing evidence of work-based learning and competencies obtained though that work-placement | Structured reflective portfolio |
| 6) Develop good interview skills | Structured reflective portfolio |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written examination | In class maths test | 25% |
| Practical exam | Role playing exercise | 25% |
| Coursework | Structured reflective portfolio | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module. All students are subject to Fitness to Practice regulations in addition to the University Students Disciplinary procedures.