PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR HNC Chemical Science for Industry Delivered by East Kent College
Contents page no. 1. General information 3 2. General introduction to the programme 4 3. Distinctiveness of the programme 4 4. Programme-specific resources 5 5. Programme aims: 5 6. Programme outcomes 5 7. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be 6 achieved and demonstrated 8. Programme structures and requirements, levels, units, credits and awards 7 9. Student support 7 10. Work-based learning 7 11. Entry criteria 8 12. How should you apply? 8 13. Tier 4 status 8 14. Accreditation of prior learning 8 15. Collaborative arrangements 9 16. Programme Management 9 17. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning, including consideration of stakeholder feedback from, for example, current students, graduates and employers Appendix 1: Descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 4: 11 Appendix 2: Grading Criteria 12 Appendix 3: Assessment regulations 14 9-2-
1. General information Awarding body/institution Teaching institution Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body Name of final award Programme Title UCAS code Subject benchmark statements Pearson East Kent College N/A Other external or internal reference points to inform the programme Mode of study Length of study Language of study Date programme specification written May 2016 Programme revision date 2019 Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma In Chemical Science for Industry (QCF) HNC Chemical Science for Industry F111 Accessed via the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) here. FHEQ accessed via the QAA here. Full-time HNC 1 year (32 weeks) English -3-
2. General introduction to the programme The programme provides a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in chemical science based industries and national recognition by employers allows the student direct progression to employment. A key alternate progression path for HNC students is to the HND in Chemical Science for Industry or to the second year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the units to the degree programme in question. As a particular skills shortage has been identified in the Chemical Science Industry (Chemical Industries Association), the programme has been devised to give students access to the more practical units. These include options to take a work experience unit where appropriate as well as a unit in Employability to develop skills essential for the work place. This also provides the opportunity for those already in work to develop their practical skills in a particular area and link these to the theory. Projects can be contextualised for industry to meet the needs of both the student and the employer. The Chemical Science for Industry programme has been developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. As such, students on the programme can apply for Affiliate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry. 3. Distinctiveness of the programme The HNC Chemical Science for Industry programme is delivered in the heart of the science industry at Discovery Park (Science and Technology Park) in Sandwich Kent. Students will study alongside some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world as well being close to small, highly innovative science and technology companies involved in cutting edge research. Fulltime students will have the opportunity to study with employed part time students involved in up to date research and development. This closeness to industry allows students opportunities to become involved with individual projects developed in conjunction with scientists on Discovery Park. The HNC Chemical Science for Industry programme offers students the opportunity to develop practical laboratory skills as well as developing the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the subject. Competency in laboratory skills is key to employment and the programme directly addresses this through the design and delivery of both theoretical based units and practical based units. The academic content of the programme concentrates on core physical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry. The practical laboratory work looks at titrimetry, instrumental analytical laboratory techniques as well as laboratory management skills. Data analysis and use of statistical software packages is also included in the programme. In accordance with the QAA subject benchmark-statements for Chemistry, the HNC in Chemical Science for Industry aims to develop a number of transferable skills as well as subject specific skills in its students. These include the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts; the ability to apply such knowledge both qualitatively and quantitatively; to analyse, synthesise and summarise from a variety of sources; receive and respond to a variety of sources of information textual, numerical, verbal, graphical; understand and manipulate numerical data; solve problems by a variety of methods; communicate about their subject appropriately employing appropriate scientific language; cite and reference work in an appropriate manner; successfully work in teams or as -4-
individuals; develop the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning As well as developing core experimental skills the programme would also seek to develop students to enable them to design, plan, conduct and report on investigations; obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the laboratory in a safe and ethical manner; skills to handle chemicals safely and carry out experiments in a safe manner, complying with all health and safety policies; skills in the operation of standard chemical instrumentation. The programme is suited for the local market because the course is held in the heart of the science industry whereby a two way relationship can exit between employers and students. The programme prides itself on small class sizes where students receive individual attention not just on theoretical units but with a laboratory equipped with industrial standard instrumentation, the fulltime student can be assured an experience on a par to those part time students working in the environment around them. Highly experienced tutors and individual tutorials allow students to grow in confidence at the same time as developing skills and gaining knowledge. 4. Programme-specific resources East Kent College has moved its Science provision to Discovery Park in Sandwich. This is a Science and Technology Park with over 100 businesses on site, mostly science based. The site was previously owned by Pfizer Limited who still have a large presence on the site. As a result the laboratory facilities are state of the art, industry standard laboratories. Students on the programme will carry out all practical work here using up to minute analytical instrumentation including benchtop NMR, FT-IT, HPLC in a very well equipped laboratory. Students will also have access to IT facilities, including lap tops and PCs, also study area, as well as a wealth of on-line library resources. All lecture notes, links, experimentation details are made available through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 5. Programme aims: This course aims to provide, on site, an appropriate level qualification for the employees of Discovery Park businesses as well as providing a course suitable for fulltime students to progress to HND or full degree or make a significant contribution to their employment. 6. Programme outcomes Learning Outcomes [HNC in Chemical Science for Industry]. On successful completion of the programme students will: 1. Be equipped with a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling immediate contribution to employment. 2. Be able to focus on the development of the higher level skills in a science and technological context. 3. Be able to exercise autonomy and initiative in tackling tasks and problems and weighing alternative approaches. -5-
Specifically.. To provide an appropriate level qualification on site for employees/trainees of the many businesses on Discovery Park Science Park. To provide this qualification in a mode (part time) to suit business on DP as well as fulltime students To enable links across businesses on the site. To develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life, enabling students to make an immediate contribution to employment To enable progression to the HND or an undergraduate degree or further professional training in the chemical sciences industry or related areas To provide a broad range of practical skills training for full and part time students To provide up to date instrument training in a variety of fields The programme will enable students to develop the skills necessary to be able to analyse and interpret the results of investigations The programme will also allow students gain knowledge of the latest applied chemistry practices through supporting taught lectures. 7. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Learners must achieve a minimum of 120 credits (of which at least 65 must be at level 4) on their programme of learning to be awarded a BTEC Level 4 HNC. The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and learners evidence will be assessed against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as pass, merit or distinction. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. Learners will undertake a wide variety of units, many of which will carry an emphasis on practical work and skill acquisition in the laboratory. Learners will be assessed through examination, written assignments, practical laboratory coursework, presentations and project work. Peer assessment and timed assessments may be included. Learners will be given the opportunity to practice skills and apply knowledge within sessions and tutorials so that they are suitably prepared for summative assessment. The majority of emphasis will be on practical application of the assessment criteria, providing realistic scenarios and making maximum use of work-related practical experience. Project work will be carried out as an individual or as part of a group. Work-based learning where appropriate; lectures and seminars; visits to companies; visiting speakers from the sector will all form part of the programme. Students will be provided with formative feedback during the process of assessment and be empowered to act to improve their performance. This will occur at least once on each assessment. -6-
8. Programme structures requirements, levels, units, credits and awards HNC Diploma in Chemical Science for Industry (QCF) 120 credits (minimum 65 credits at Level 4) Unit No Mandatory Core Units: Unit Level Unit Credit 1 Inorganic Chemistry 4 15 2 Organic Chemistry 4 15 3 Physical Chemistry 4 15 4 Chemical Laboratory Techniques 4 15 6 Analysis of Scientific Data and Information 4 15 Optional units (selected from those below depending on full or part time status of student) 7 Laboratory Management 4 15 8 Work-based Investigation 4 15 10 Organic Chemistry of Aromatic and Carbonyl Compounds 5 15 12 Analytical Chemistry 5 15 14 Industrial Chemistry 4 15 15 Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways 5 15 20 Environmental Management and Conservation 5 15 30 Employability 5 15 9. Student support Students can access general study support and support for additional/specific learning needs via the College s Student Central. The College will make available individual and/or small group support for study skills including academic writing. Students will also have a weekly programme of individual and small group tutorial sessions provided by the Personal Tutor and/or Programme Director in order to support and monitor student progress. The purpose of the tutorial provision is to: ensure effective communication between staff and student; provide a systematic review of student progress; support the resolution of personal issues affecting academic work either through advice and guidance or through referral to the most appropriate member of the College s Student Support Team; encourage onward progression to employment or university (level 5). Where students present with DSA funding evidence for additional support, support workers will be provided to help meet a student s specific needs. 10. Work-based learning Part time students who are employed within the science sector will have the opportunity to complete work-based units, allowing credit to be gained for workplace activities as well as allowing development of employability skills. -7-
11. Entry criteria East Kent College encourages and welcome applications from all students with the potential to succeed on this course. Applications are considered individually and we take into account academic qualifications in addition to paying great attention to the personal statement and the reference(s) provided with the application. An offer of a place on the Higher National Certificate is offered in terms of grades up to a certain number of UCAS tariff points. For example, a typical offer for entry to an HNC is 120 UCAS tariff points and you should possess or be working towards GCSE grades C and above in English and Maths. In order to meet this entry requirement an applicant would, for example, need to have gained two A-levels at Grade D or above OR achieved PPP for a BTEC National Diploma OR MP for a BTEC National Certificate. Applicants studying on an Access to Higher Education programme will need to achieve a Pass in their qualification in order to progress to a Higher National Certificate. All applicants will be interviewed. If you are successful at interview and meet the entry requirements when your exam results come through you will be invited to start your programme. You will receive an induction from your Programme Director and a student handbook. The purposes of these are to make you welcome and accommodated to your programme. You will receive more specific details on how the programme runs (timetable), an assessment plan, details on tutorials, support available to you, as well as details on College policies on plagiarism, assessment, and how to make a complaint. If you have any questions do ask! 12. How should you apply? Applications should be submitted through UCAS using the following codes: Institution code name: CANT Institution code: C12 (Canterbury College) Campus code: P Course code: F111 13. Tier 4 status Canterbury College, as the registering body with UCAS, do not currently hold tier 4 status and are unable to sponsor international student visa applications at this time. Non-native speakers of English who do not require a visa or have their own visa will need to meet the funding criteria and need to provide evidence of a standard of English commensurate of an IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 being awarded on individual sections. 14. Accreditation of prior learning Accreditation of prior learning will follow Pearson requirements around mapping of unit content. -8-
15. Collaborative arrangements The programme is to be delivered by East Kent College via its partnership arrangement with Canterbury College. East Kent College is the sole deliverer of the programme however will benefit from access to Canterbury College s Virtual Learning Environment, and library. Canterbury College will act as a broker on behalf of East Kent College for UCAS and Student Finance England arrangements with all applicants being directed through Canterbury College s campus codes. All teaching will take place at East Kent College. Students can discuss this arrangement at interview. 16. Programme Management The programme is managed by a Programme Director who co-ordinates the work of the programme team and overseas all aspects of delivery. The Programme Director reports to the Programme Area Manager who in term reports to the Campus Principal. Overall oversight of all HE programmes delivered at East Kent College is via the Dean of Higher Education at Canterbury College. Role Programme Director Lecturer Lecturer Lecturer Name Maggie Rickerby Sue Houston (IV) Sandra Scatchard Laurie Saunders 17. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning, including consideration of stakeholder feedback from, for example, current students, graduates and employers Quality Assurance Agency undertook their Higher Education Review in April 2014. The College met all necessary criteria. The report and action plan is available on the College s website here. Staff-student liaison will occur three times a year within a termly Programme Management Committee and as part of the College s annual Programme Quality Self-Assessment Review process (PQSAR). The Programme Director is responsible for leading the completion of the PQSAR in collaboration with the Programme Team, with student input through student representation at programme meetings and the completion of student questionnaires issued within the academic year. Each member of the Programme Team will participate in developmental teaching observations throughout the academic year as part of the College s Professional Enhancement Framework, with best practice encouraged and shared by the Senior Innovator for Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Additionally the Senior Innovator provides collegewide oversight of the operation of Pearson BTEC programmes and is available to support effective quality management of the programme. Institutional oversight of the College s HE provision will be managed through a Higher Education Committee, with membership including a representative of each of the HE programmes being run at the College across the three campuses. -9-
Assessment documents will be written by each of the unit Assessors to cover the Pearson published learning outcomes for each unit that will be taught on the programme. These assessment documents will then be checked by an Internal Verifier to ensure that the documents to be published will meet the learning outcomes and are appropriate for student understanding. This process is referred to as the Internal Verification process. During the academic year, an external representative from Pearson will attend the College to check a sample of student work from the units that will be taught on the programme during that academic year. The External Verifier will comment on the suitability of the assessments for the programme and will make a judgement as to whether the programme, and the assessments, are fit for purpose. Their review will be fedback to the Programme Director, with action points if appropriate, which will be set as targets by the Programme Director. This process is referred to as the External Verification process. The HE Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement Officer ensures the College meets its external requirements in terms of quality assurance whilst supporting at an institutional level to improve the student experience. -10-
Appendix 1 Descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 4: The descriptor provided for this level of the FHEQ is for any Certificate of Higher Education which should meet the descriptor in full. This qualification descriptor can also be used as a reference point for other level 4 qualifications. Certificates of Higher Education are awarded to students who have demonstrated: knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study. Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment. And holders will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. See appendix 2 for the grading criteria. -11-
Appendix 2 Grading Criteria Pass A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for a pass for each unit. Merit grade Merit descriptors In order to achieve a merit the learner must: Indicative characteristics The learner s evidence may show for example: identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions effective judgments have been made complex problems with more than one variable have been explored an effective approach to study and research has been applied select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques relevant theories and techniques have been applied a range of methods and techniques have been applied a range of sources of information has been used the selection of methods and techniques/ sources has been justified the design of methods/techniques has been justified complex information/data has been synthesised and processed appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied present and communicate appropriate findings the appropriate structure and approach has been used coherent, logical development of principles/ concepts for the intended audience a range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts the communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used -12-
Distinction grade Distinction descriptors In order to achieve a distinction the learner must: Indicative characteristics The learner s evidence show may show for example: use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified the validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria self-criticism of approach has taken place realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success take responsibility for managing and organising activities autonomy/independence has been demonstrated substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised activities have been managed the unforeseen has been accommodated the importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved Demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking ideas have been generated and decisions taken self-evaluation has taken place convergent and lateral thinking have been applied problems have been solved innovation and creative thought have been applied receptiveness to new ideas is evident effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts -13-
Appendix 3: Assessment regulations To achieve a level 4 qualification a learner must: achieve 120 credits at or above the level of the qualification achieve a minimum of 65 credits at Level 4 complete a valid combination of units. The best valid combination of units is used to calculate the overall grade, e.g. if a learner has completed more than the minimum number of optional units the best performance from these will be used. All learners will receive a Notification of Performance showing all unit grades whether or not they were included in the calculation for the overall grade. Calculation of the BTEC HNC qualification grade The calculation of the qualification grade is based on the learner s best performance in units at or above the level of the qualification to the value of 75 credits: The best 75 credits must come from a maximum of 120 credits as a valid rule of combination. The units from which the 75 best credits are selected come from the whole qualification including the core/mandatory credit. This means that credit from some mandatory units is likely to form part of the best 75 credits in most programmes. It is the responsibility of a centre to ensure that a correct unit combination is adhered to. Qualification grades Learners will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction qualification grade using the points gained through the 75 best credits based on unit achievement. Unit points available per credit for specified unit grades, for either Level 4 or level 5 units. Unit points per credit Pass Merit Distinction 0 1 2 Example for level 4 or 5 unit of 15 credits Pass Merit Distinction 0 15 30 Points range Grade 0-74 Pass P 75-149 Merit M 150 Distinction D -14-