Innovation Fund Dissemination Event
December 2012
VOCATIONAL CAREER
DEVELOPMENT MODULES
Dr Pete Garson, School of Biology
Dr Sara Marsham & Prof. Matt Bentley, School of Marine Science & Technology
Aim of project

Develop a pair of vocational career development
modules in Biology (BIO2021) and Marine Science
(MST2017)

10 credit Semester 2 modules


Complete a work placement in Semester 2



Undertake training in Semester 1
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
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
Module structure

Taught sessions


Compulsory tutorials


Delivered by PG, SM, MGB, QuILT & Careers Service
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
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
Assessment
Summative assessment:

Work Placement Plan

Reflective Report/Log

Placement Provider Assessment

Oral Presentation

Written Examination (NB: Marine Science students only)
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
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
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
Thank you for listening
Any questions?