Module Descriptors
MSCI LIFE SCIENCES PLACEMENT
BIOL70647
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 7
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Richard Halfpenny
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 576
Total Learning Hours: 600
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, PG Semester 2
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • Report - (10,000 words) weighted at 60%
  • Conference presentation - 30 minutes weighted at 30%
  • An electron journal and personal reflection (2000 words) weighted at 10%
Module Details
Module Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate ability to work at an advanced level, evaluate complex issues, communicate and learn effectively working with an organisation that delivers professional life science related products or services. Communication, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection.

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the knowledge base of an organisation and critically evaluate how methods and techniques are applied in practice and how information is interpreted.
Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding.

3. Reflect upon the impact of leadership and management within organisations and the role of networking and negotiation in securing scientific business in the life sciences sector.
Reflection, Analysis.

4. Communicate the experience of the placement in a structured format.
Communication.

5. Reflect upon the skills and knowledge gained through the placement.
Reflection.
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. REPORT (60%) - A report, typically no more than 10,000 words in length, which should include an outline of the business operations of the organisation, detailed information on the work undertaken during the placement, including the technical aspects of the placement, an outline of the impact of the work undertaken to the organisation, and a critical evaluation of the experience gained [assessing learning outcomes 1,2,3].

2. CONFERENCE PRESENTATION (30%) - A 30 minute oral presentation, outlining the work
Undertaken during the placement. This presentation will be viewed by a panel consisting of an independent member of academic staff from within the School, the module co-ordinator (or equivalent) and a representative from the organisation at which the placement was undertaken. [assessing learning outcome 4].

3. AN ELECTRONIC JOURNAL AND PERSONAL REFLECTION (10 %)
An electronic journal should record the day-to-day activities carried out during the placement. An alternative format such as an electronic lab notebook or other equivalent daily record-keeping practice may be used as appropriate. This will be determined by agreement with your work placement provider. At the end of the placement you will reflect on the skills and experiences gained during the placement [assessing learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, and 5]. (FINAL ASSESSMENT).
Module Indicative Content
The purpose of the module is to assess the industrial placement period which you will have undertaken thus providing a formal mechanism for gaining credit towards your MSci degree.

The module, therefore, requires you to have undertaken, within the total elapsed time of the placement; a structured piece(s) of project work, relevant to the company which ensures that the learning outcomes are demonstrated. A learning contract will be drawn up with the employer and the university prior to undertaking the placement.

The content will be highly dependent on the nature of the work undertaken during the placement. The work can be varied but will be tailored to meet your learning and experiential needs whilst satisfying the company business and related requirements. This will be negotiated between the placement manager (module co-ordinator), you (the student) and your industrial supervisor.
Module Web Descriptor
You will undertake an industrial placement related to your area of interest – another opportunity to personalise your Award. As part of the placement you will complete a structured piece of project work, relevant to the company in which you are placed. The content will be highly dependent on the nature of the work undertaken during the placement. The work can be varied but will be tailored to meet your learning and experiential needs whilst satisfying the company business and related requirements.
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategies involved will depend to a large extent on the nature of the work undertaken. Normally, the period in industry will be 10 weeks, during which there is an expectation that you will undertake work of a research and development (or equivalent) nature (e.g. business improvement projects), where the outcome is unknown.

Contact with the tutor will occur at the start of the module via two placement ¿orientation workshops and an individual one-to-one meeting. The tutor will also make two visits to the place of work, Skype meetings between the student and supervisor, and meetings between the student and workplace mentor will be scheduled.

In general there will be an expectation that literature relevant to the area of work, and background to any techniques utilised, will be continually reviewed. Any work related activities required by the employer will be undertaken.

Learning strategies will include:
• Evidence of an induction period in the company will be required.
• Project work will be identified and agreed as indicated in Indicative Content.
• An electronic journal (or equivalent) of the students work will be maintained throughout the placement period.
• Detailed reports will be prepared by the student and presentations, meetings etc. will be undertaken as appropriate.
• Advice and guidance will be given by the visiting tutor via visits, email, Skype meetings or telephone communication.
• The use of appropriate library resources, and internet application will be encouraged.
• Learning from colleagues at work (discussion with colleagues) and working as part of a team are important aspects of the learning strategy.
Module Texts
The nature of required texts will vary depending on the area of work being undertaken as part of the placement. However the following texts to assist in preparation, participation and completion of the placement should be read:

Neugebauer, J and Evans-Brain, J (2009) Making the Most of Your Placement ISBN: 9781847875686
SAGE publishing.
Adams, D (2011) Effective learning in the Life Sciences: How students can achieve their full potential. Print ISBN: 9780470661567
Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Jones, M; Wheeler, C and Dimitratos, P (2011) International entrepreneurship in the life sciences. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN978 1 84980 820 0
Fanthome, C. (2004) 'Work Placements: A Survival Guide for Students'. Basingstoke: Palgrave
McMillian.
Hertbert, I and Rothwell A. (2004) 'Managing Your Placement: A Skills Based Approach'. Palgrave.
Module Resources
You will need to access the library and information facilities. These will be available to you remotely. You will also have contact with an academic supervisor and an industrial supervisor at your placement location, both of whom will be able to give guidance and advice.

In addition you will need access to the appropriate facilities and equipment at your placement.