Undergraduate & Postgraduate PDP frameworks in the Chemical Sciences Dr Kristy MacDonald CChem MRSC Development Officer, Professional Education.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate

PDP frameworks

in the Chemical Sciences

Dr Kristy MacDonald CChem MRSC

Development Officer, Professional Education

RSC’s PDP for students

CPD in context

Importance of skills recording

RSC’s PDP for Postgraduate students

Provision of PDP frameworks

PDP for Undergraduate students

CPD in context"... the responsibility of individuals for the systematic maintenance,

improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills to ensure continuing competence as a professional throughout their career".

continuing professional development is learning, by whatever means, which helps the individual realise and develop their potential.

recording frameworks based on the outcomes of learning and development

skills development opportunities are prevalent within the course of study, research and employment

RSC’s CPD frameworks RSC strongly encourage all members to engage in CPD – a

comprehensive framework is available for professional members

Since April 2000, Postgraduate students have had access to the PSR

Since September 2002, Undergraduate students have had access to the USR

PDP frameworks tailored to the development needs of those individuals studying the chemical sciences

The frameworks were designed after extensive consultation with industry, academic supervisors and students

Importance of Skills Recording

• National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education

“employers want graduates with a range of skills”

“those leaving higher education need to understand how to learn and how to manage their own learning, recognising the process continues

throughout life”

Importance of Skills Recording

• Chemistry in the UK, will it survive?

Communication, team working capabilities, problem solving and organisation are becoming

increasingly important in order to succeed in the rapidly changing and increasingly

competitive world of industry

What is the PSR?• Six categories of skills self-assessed throughout the PhD

•Planning & Organisation

•Handling Information

•Communication Skills

•Working with Others

•Scientific & Practical

•Improving Learning & Performance

ReflectRecord

Plan

What is the PSR?

Self-assessment of skills acquired during postgraduate study

The recording, assessment & development of scientific, interpersonal & transferable skills

Records level of scientific and non-scientific attainment at three phases of postgraduate study

Why is it important?

• Provides a framework for self-assessment of scientific and ‘non-scientific’ skills

•This framework enables students to

Identify areas which require development

Identify skills gaps and actively seek development opportunities

USR Project Rationale

• Skills recording

Secondary school

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Employment

NRA’s

?

PSR

CPD

USR Project Rationale

• Postgraduate Skills Record

Successfully launched in 2000

87% of UK & Ireland members of HECC requested copies

Over 5000 copies distributed

USR Project Rationale

• Postgraduate Skills Record Adaptation

Directors of Study

• Progress Files

USR to meet requirements ofProgress Files PDP

HE Networks

Undergraduate Skills Record

• Sections•Induction

•Personal Information

•Skills Audit

•Project Work

•Skills Profile

•Career Planning

Undergraduate Skills Record

• Skills Audit

Series of statements associated with each specific skill

Rate yourself against each statement according to the scale given

Provide evidence to support your rating, and identify development targets for each skill

Repeat for each phase, reflecting on past achievements and development targets/plans

Example – Skills Audit

Undergraduate Skills Record

• Skills Profile

A ‘summary’ of skills achievements and development throughout your

undergraduate course

The Undergraduate Skills Record

• Specific Skills

•Planning & Organisation

•Handling Information

•Communication Skills

•Working with Others

•Scientific & Practical

•Improving Learning & Performance

•ICT Skills

•Problem Solving

•Study Skills

ReflectRecord

Plan

USR & PSR What are the benefits?

•Method to critically assess skills

•Permanent record of performance & development

•Preparation of CV’s and job interviews

•Serves as a ‘launch pad’ into Continuing Professional Development

•Could increase ‘employability’

What the employers say..

Quintiles’ Core Competencies

Communication skills - oral and written

Team/Leadership skills

Problem solving

Project Planning/Management

Resource/Time Management

What the employers say..

In the pharmaceutical industry it is not enough to understand the theory and practice of chemistry, it is essential to be able to use this knowledge to solve problems creatively and efficiently… Good teamwork and effective communication skills underpin all R&D endeavor. Students who have developed these skills can look forward to a stimulating, rewarding R&D career.

I strongly recommend every undergraduate in the chemical sciences, irrespective of their proposed career path, to complete the USR honestly and diligently, providing a framework to identify skills gaps and address these effectively.

Dr D Alker, Manager Academic Liaison and Recruitment, Pfizer

Distribution

The documents are free!

USR available to all undergraduate students of the chemical sciences

Interactive on-line version Autumn 2003 www.rsc.org/ugskills

PSR available to all students (print format RSC members)

Interactive on-line version available for RSC members

www.rsc.org/pgskills