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

RSCs PDP for students l CPD in context Importance of skills recording RSCs 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

RSCs CPD frameworks l RSC strongly encourage all members to engage in CPD – a comprehensive framework is available for professional members l Since April 2000, Postgraduate students have had access to the PSR l Since September 2002, Undergraduate students have had access to the USR l PDP frameworks tailored to the development needs of those individuals studying the chemical sciences l 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 Reflect Record 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 NRAs ? PSR CPD

USR Project Rationale Postgraduate Skills Record Successfully launched in % 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 of Progress 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 Reflect Record Plan

USR & PSR l What are the benefits? Method to critically assess skills Permanent record of performance & development Preparation of CVs and job interviews Serves as a launch pad into Continuing Professional Development Could increase employability

What the employers say.. Quintiles Core Competencies l Communication skills - oral and written l Team/Leadership skills l Problem solving l Project Planning/Management l 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 PSR available to all students (print format RSC members) Interactive on-line version available for RSC members