This is a core module, part of the Staffordshire Graduate Employability Programme and cannot combine with other modules within the programme at this level.

Students cannot combine this module with any other work placement or work experience module.

Portfolio Guidance
Student Handbook/ Module Notes
Computing facilities for accessing material on the web/Blackboard will be available to support the module

The module will be supported by an Enterprise & Employability Resource Bank that will provide learning materials from your Faculty, Careers as well as external contributors. Students will be encouraged through the Students Union¿s Enterprise Society to make use of student-led activities such as workshops, mentoring and networking events provided by NACUE (National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs) as well using and populating a website/depository for disseminating and sharing 'good practice'.

Details and evaluations of past work placements over several years, The Careers Service and its Advisers, The JobShop (based in the Careers Service),The Student Union volunteer service, CD viewing facilities, up-to-date and relevant career and employer literature and access to 'Statistics for the Terrified' computer aided tutorials.

Assignment 1 = Continuous Professional Development Portfolio (25%)
A continuous professional development (CPD) portfolio will be produced using Microsoft Office SWAY. (LO’s 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).

Assignment 2 = Reflective Writing Assignment (25 %)
A 1500-word reflective writing assignment based on student's professional development as a biologist. (LO’s 1, 2, 3 and 5).

Assignment 3 = Authentic Assessment on Professional Development (25 %)
Students will be required to produce an authentic assessment on professional development/practice in a chosen Biological Field. This could take numerous forms such as a literature review, a grant proposal, a podcast, a vlog etc. (LO's 1, 2, 3 and 5)

Assignment 4 = Project Presentation (25%) (Last Assignment to be completed)
A conference style presentation on a proposed research project of 10 minutes in length plus 5 minutes of questions. (LO’s 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).

Learning Outcome 1 – Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment or further training.
Reflection

Learning Outcome 2 – Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information
Analysis

Learning Outcome 3 – Communicate effectively information and argument in a variety of forms, to specialists and non-specialists audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
Communication

Learning Outcome 4 – Comprehend knowledge of the main methods of enquiry as a biologist, such as experimental design and demonstrate application of the key principles of information literacy.
Enquiry

Learning Outcome 5 – Understand the role of the interdependent learner, being able to negotiate meaning, and understand the limits of your knowledge and how this influences analyses and interpretation based on that knowledge.
Learning

This module further develops the themes and learning previously gained in modules such as Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists and Biological Concepts and Practice. This PPP module provides students with further learning opportunities, including work-
based/work-related experiences that enable them to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance their career prospects, horizons and personal success, thus preparing you for the expectations of the world of work. In addition to demonstrating the module learning outcomes, students will:

1. Make connections with numerous individuals and groups, both from within our own department, from other schools and departments, as well as with external collaborators. These connections will help to inspire and guide them in terms of professional and personal development.

2. Have the opportunity to find a suitable placement provider to carry out your Award requirement to undertake 105 hours of work placement.

The module is designed to make students increasingly aware of their personal and professional development

Contact time consisting of lecture/workshop sessions. Sessions will combine lectures with interactive sessions involving both tutor led activity and student led activity and participation. There will also tutorials with personal and project tutors.
Students will complete a work placement in a suitable environment.
Independent study which will include both tutor directed and independent learning.

Bolles, D. (2011). What Color is Your Parachute?, New York, Ten Speed Press.
Barnard, C, Gilbert, F & McGregor, P, (2007). Asking Questions in Biology, Harlow, Prentice Hall.
Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook. 3rd ed Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Dytham, C (2003). Choosing and Using Statistics. Oxford, Wiley Blackwell.
Jones, A., Reed, R., & Weyers, J (2007). Practical Skills in Biology. Harlow, Prentice Hall. Kirton, B. (2011). Brilliant Workplace Skills for Students & Graduates, Harlow, Prentice-Hall Knisely, B. (2002). A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology. Sinauer Associates, Inc and W. H> Freeman.
Reidy, J. (2006). Learning to work: students experiences during work placement, Melbourne University Press.
Trought, F. (2011). Brilliant Employability Skills: How to stand out from the crowd in the graduate job market, Harlow, Prentice Hall.