Curriculum Reform

Degree programmes must be attractive to students They must be recognised by employers Need involvement of both in all stages of the review Key!

Curriculum Reform We can aspire to graduate students who show: Initiative Independence Critical thought Problem solving skills An ability to write and develop arguments Moral judgement Etc

Curriculum Reform Affects the way we teach as much as what we teach Opportunities for some broader aspects of study could have merit, especially at 1 st /2 nd year Eg, there is a good case for a broad base for scientists at level 1, potentially with more maths/ chemistry, and possibly non-science courses

Curriculum Reform However, we must recognise we have a diverse group of students with varied background and motivation We may need to consider the potential to fast-track good students To offer degrees with different exit strategies, or streaming, perhaps including options such as general studies diplomas But – can we afford the reduced fte’s! May need to have the resources ctte involved at early stage to assess if a starter

Curriculum Reform Some students already find 1st/ 2nd year too general and this could be exacerbated if non-science courses were increasingly recommended Could be a mismatch between what we would like (global citizen?) and what students want The key seems to be choice and availability of (non-science) options Can we keep good students motivated?

Curriculum Reform One sure way of increasing the learner experience across the board is to have more contact with staff and smaller class sizes Again a resources issue

Curriculum Reform We may need to consider the working habits of students in terms of flexible delivery of courses Timetabling in its own right is a key issue Development of new/ increased joint degrees and interdisciplinary programmes is totally dependent on compatible timetabling Timetabling and flexibility

Curriculum Reform We should not lose sight of what we do well at Aberdeen, or what we need to improve Problem solving courses in CLSM teaching facility Do we take enough advantage of peer assisted learning (perhaps helping with income) SWOT!

Curriculum Reform Do Science students have different needs to Arts students? Numeracy Practical skills ● Lab ● Field studies

Curriculum Reform What can science programmes offer arts students An understanding of cloning, GMOs, biofuels? An understanding of environmental sustainability, C footprint, conservation/ biodiversity? Darwinian evolution? Bioethics

Curriculum Reform Links of secondary education to tertiary education Links to level 5 programmes Latter may be particularly relevant if we fast track students But funding council rules could be an issue? Links

Curriculum Reform Discipline issues If we want to graduate students who are biologists then we need to comply with benchmarks from the IoB Externals use these to assess our degree programmes Many cases of accreditation by professional bodies Can our aspirations for our graduates be achieved at discipline level?