Newcastle University Innovation Fund Dissemination Event 2012

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Assessment
Summative assessment:
 Work Placement Plan
 Reflective Report/Log
 Placement Provider Assessment
 Oral Presentation
 Written Examination (NB: Marine Science students only)

7. 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

8. 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

9. Acknowledgments

10. Acknowledgments
Thank you for listening
Any questions?