Undergraduate & Postgraduate PDP frameworks in the Chemical Sciences

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

2. RSC’s PDP for students • CPD in context • Provision of PDP frameworks • Importance of skills recording • RSC’s PDP for Postgraduate students • PDP for Undergraduate students

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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”

6. 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

7. Reflect Record Plan 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. USR Project Rationale • Skills recording Secondary school Undergraduate Postgraduate Employment NRA’s ? PSR CPD

11. USR Project Rationale • Postgraduate Skills Record Successfully launched in 2000 87% of UK & Ireland members of HECC requested copies Over 5000 copies distributed

12. USR Project Rationale • Postgraduate Skills Record Adaptation Directors of Study HE Networks • Progress Files USR to meet requirements of Progress Files PDP

13. Undergraduate Skills Record • Sections • Induction • Personal Information • Skills Audit • Project Work • Skills Profile • Career Planning

14. 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

15. Example – Skills Audit

16. Undergraduate Skills Record • Skills Profile A ‘summary’ of skills achievements and development throughout your undergraduate course

17. Reflect Record Plan The Undergraduate Skills Record • Specific Skills • Planning & Organisation • Handling Information • Communication Skills • Working with Others • Scientific & Practical • Problem Solving • ICT Skills • Improving Learning & Performance • Study Skills

18. 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’

19. What the employers say.. Quintiles’ Core Competencies • Communication skills - oral and written • Team/Leadership skills • Problem solving • Project Planning/Management • Resource/Time Management

20. 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

21. 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