Snapshot presentation at the 4th Enhancing Student Learning Through Innovative Scholarship Conference, Bristol, July 2018.

1. EMBEDDING VOCATIONAL
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
MODULES WITHIN
UNDERGRADUATE
BIOSCIENCE PROGRAMMES
Dr Sara Marsham sara.marsham@ncl.ac.uk
Dr Alison Graham alison.graham@ncl.ac.uk
Enhancing Student Learning Through Innovative Scholarship, July 2018
@sara_marine
@alisonigraham
School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences

2. Outline
 Aims of the modules
 Module design and structure
 Module assessment
 Feedback and reflection
Examples of student
outputs from
completing placements

3. Aims of the modules
 Developed a pair of employability skills modules in
Biology and Marine Science
 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
 Awarded funding from University Innovation Fund
 Used to employ an RA to help develop the modules

4. Module design
 Reviewed vocational career development provision already in
place across the University - built on good practice
 Defined content of training sessions with Careers Service
team
 Networked with potential providers in the region to set up
placements
Developed all handbooks/marking criteria/assessment pro-
forma
Engaged with students from all three Stages in focus group
discussions, to maximise the effectiveness of delivery from the
start

5. Placement providers

6. Module design
 Reviewed vocational career development provision already in
place across the University - built on good practice
 Defined content of training sessions with Careers Service
team
 Networked with potential providers in the region to set up
placements
 Developed all handbooks/marking criteria/assessment pro-
formas
 Engaged with students from all three Stages in focus group
discussions, to maximise the effectiveness of delivery from
the start

7. Module structure
 Taught sessions
 Delivered by academics, Careers Service and LTDS
 Compulsory and optional tutorials
 Compulsory Careers Service Skills sessions
 Careers Service drop-in
 Placement - 35 hours contact with provider
Examples of student
outputs from
completing placements

8. Module assessment
 Write CV and covering letter relevant to chosen placement
 Complete Health and Safety check list
 Complete Careers Service workshop record of attendance
 Work Placement Plan - SMART targets
 Oral Presentation - STAR
 Reflective Report/Log - STAR
 Placement Provider Assessment

9. Student feedback
My
placement
helped me
develop my
graduate
skills
1 2 3 4 5
12% 12%
30%
39%
6%
1 2 3 4 5
3% 3%
24%
52%
18%
I feel more
confident in
my
employability
Strongly disagree Strongly agree Strongly disagree Strongly agree

10. Provider feedback
“The quality of the resources
which X developed is
demonstrated by the fact
that we will be using them
in the museum with visiting
school groups. I have really
enjoyed working with her”
“I really enjoyed having X
working with us. He is a
credit to the university
and we would be more
than willing to host
him/another in the
future”

11. Questions?