The purpose of the module is to assess the industrial placement period which the student has undertaken (on a full-time basis), thus providing a formal mechanism for gaining credit towards their MSci degree.

The module, therefore, requires the student to undertake, 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 the students’ needs whilst satisfying the company requirements. This will be negotiated between the placement manager (module tutor), visiting tutor, the student and his/her industrial supervisor.

The learning strategies involved will depend to a large extent on the nature of the work undertaken.
In general, it will be a requirement 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. This could be in the form of:
¿ External work-based placement with minor research element
¿ External research-based placement
¿ Internal work-based placement with minor research element
¿ Internal research-based placement

Whilst the period in industry is required to be a period of 10 weeks’ full time (usually 35 hours per week, 350 hours total), the module seeks to identify relevant project work, in conjunction with your placement mentor, which will constitute a minimum of 40 hours alongside your other tasks.
12 hours of contact time will be achieved through meeting(s) between the student, supervisor and work place mentor (including, if possible, a supervisor visit to the place of work), regular Skype meetings, phone calls, emails and attendance at the presentation.

Learning strategies will include some of the below:
¿ Evidence of an induction period in the company.
¿ Project work will be identified and agreed as indicated in Indicative Content.
¿ A blog of the students work will be maintained throughout the placement period.
¿ Detailed reports 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, 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.

Coursework consisting of the following elements:

Elements of Assessment
¿ Work Diary (0% weighting: Pass/Fail)
¿ Written Report (70% weighting)
¿ Conference Presentation (30% weighting)

1. Work Diary - A secure electronic reflective diary, accessible through the University VLE system, for the student to record the day-to-day activities carried out during the placement (0% weighting - Pass/Fail). [1, 2, 3, 6]

2. REPORT - 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 on the organisation, and a critical evaluation of the experience gained (60%).Wherever possible, the content and nature of the work should reflect the specific aims of the Named Award. This element of assessment must achieve a mark of at least 50% in order for the overall module to be passed. [4, 5]

3. CONFERENCE PAPER - A 30 minute oral presentation, or defended poster presentation lasting 30 minutes in total, outlining the work undertaken during the placement (30%). This presentation will be viewed by a panel. [5]

You will also have contact with an academic supervisor and an industrial supervisor at your placement, 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.

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:

Fanthome, C. (2004) ¿Work Placements: A Survival Guide for Students ¿. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Hertbert, I and Rothwell A. (2004) ¿Managing Your Placement: A Skills Based Approach ¿. Palgrave.

Student must be registered on MSci Forensic Science, Forensic Investigation or Policing and Criminal Investigation

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS TO ENABLE WORK AT AN ADVANCED LEVEL IN A PROFESSIONAL, AWARD-RELATED, WORK ENVIRONMENT.
(Application, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

2. WORK EFFECTIVELY IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT, EVALUATING PRACTICE, AND APPLYING APPROPRIATE THINKING.
(Application, Learning, Reflection)

3. UNDERTAKE NEW TRAINING APPROPRIATE TO PLACEMENT TASKS AND DEVELOP NEW SKILLS APPROPRIATE TO NEEDS.
(Application, Learning, Problem Solving)

4. DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED ABILITY TO CONDUCT DIRECTED AND SELF-DIRECTED RESEARCH, ENCOMPASSING THE CAPABILITY TO LOCATE AND REVIEW APPROPRIATE LITERATURE.
(Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

5. COMMUNICATE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PLACEMENT IN A STRUCTURED FORMAT, IDENTIFYING OUTCOMES OF RESEARCH.
(Communication)

6. REFLECT ON SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED THROUGHOUT THE PLACEMENT.
(Reflection)