Report of the External Panel Evaluation of the Stage 1 Programmatic Review in the Department of Science Date of External Panel Review: Thursday May 9 th 2013. The Panel Comprised: Dr. Gertie Taggart, Head of School Letterkenny Institute of Technology (Chairperson) Ms. Joanne Mortimer HR Manager Ipsen Manufacturing Ireland Ltd. Dr. Karen Hennessy Head of Department Sports, Media and Marketing, Institute of Technology Carlow Ms. Nicola McManus Laboratory Manager, Merck Sharpe & Domhe Swords Dr. Tom Hannigan State Forensic Science Laboratories Phoenix Park. The Panel s Agenda for the evaluation can be summarised as follows: programmes 09.30-10.00 External Panel review meeting 10:00-10.30: Panel meeting with Registrar, Mr John Vickery, Head of School of Science & Computing Dr. Mike Ahern Head of Department of Science Mr. John Behan 10.30-10.45 Coffee 10.45-11.15 Meeting with staff Sports Science & Health Programmes 11.15-11.45 Meeting with staff Pharmaceutical Science Programmes 11.45-12.10 Meeting with staff DNA & Forensic Analysis Programmes 12.10-12.40 Meeting with staff Bioanalysis & Bioanalytical Science programmes 1
12.40-13.00 Meeting with staff Chemistry programmes 13.00-14.00 Lunch Part time programs 14.00-14.20 Higher Cert in GMP & Technology and Minor Awards 14.20-14.40 BSc Ordinary in Pharmaceutical Technology 14.40-15.00 Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Production 15.00-15.20 Masters in Pharmaceutical Production & Masters in Pharmaceutical Science 15.20-15.40 Higher Certificate and Ordinary Degree in Sterile Services 15.40-15.55 Coffee 15.55-16.15 Higher Certificates in Bio and Pharma Analysis 16.15-16.30 Special Purpose Awards 16.30-17.00 Private meeting of Panel 17.00-17.15 Panel Feedback The complete list of programmes under review by the Panel are listed at the end of this report. 2
Introduction: The Programmatic Reviews in IT Tallaght have been broken down into two separate components, namely a Stage One and a Stage Two. The Stage One seeks to validate and accredit the suite of programmes presented for the next 5 year term. The Stage Two seeks to validate the strategy for the School going forward taking into account an environmental analysis both national and international, Teaching and Learning strategies, the Institute s Strategic Plan, the Institute s Risk Register, Government Policy, HEA funding model and employment control framework, etc. In relation to Stage One, the Panel were advised that the documentation it received has resulted from an Internal Stage One process as part of the Institute's quality assurance procedures. Each programme has been presented to the Panel in the same format, namely, Programme Aims, Programme Objectives, Program Learning outcomes, Demand for program which for fulltime programs looks at CAO data, Industry consultation, Old course schedule, Rationale for change, New course schedule, Book of Modules. The Panel wish to congratulate the staff of the Science Department (management, academic, administrative and technical) on the production of a very coherent set of programmes in which the views of stakeholders have been included. The set of documentation was clear and well produced. The interaction with staff was lively, considered and thoughtful. In finalising its report the Panel have divided their comments into two sets. Firstly the Panel have a small number of comments that are considered to be mandatory (namely the Conditions) and another set which are considered to be highly recommended but not of a mandatory nature (the Recommendations). Conditions: The Panel agree to approve the programmes listed in the Appendix for a period of 5 years (i.e. up to and including 2019) subject to the following mandatory conditions being implemented. Condition 1 It is the considered view of the Panel that the all syllabi should be indicative and not prescriptive. In that respect the percentage time allocated to each topic in the syllabus should be removed. If, in the interests of informing students of the percentage content breakdown, the Department so 3
wish they could identify those topics of syllabi to which greater than 25% of delivery time is allocated. Identifying topics whose delivery times are indicated as 9% or 11% is to be avoided. Condition 2 Some booklists appear to be outdated. All booklists to be reviewed and updated accordingly. Condition 3 Having regard to the resources in place to develop the student as independent learners, it is critical that the contact hours are reduced from first year through to fourth year of virtually all fulltime programmes. Therefore the contact hours must not exceed 24 hours in Year1, 22 hours in Year 2, 20 hours in Year 3 and 18 hours in Year 4. The Panel were satisfied that a good balance had been found on part time and minor awards programmes and the Panel is not requiring changes to these latter programmes. The table below indicated the modules where contact hours need to be reduced. Obviously, where necessary, the relevant syllabi may be modified accordingly. This table is given for completeness but, since there is module commonality among programmes, the actual quanta of modules affected is significantly less than the table might first indicate. 4
Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change BSc DNA & Forensic Science (L8) BSc DNA & Forensic Science (L8) BSc DNA & Forensic Science (L8) BSc DNA & Forensic Science (L8) BSc DNA & Forensic Science (L8) Good Manufacturing Practice and Quality Systems Law and Ethics for Forensics Integrated Lab Techniques 3 5 Lecture reduced from 3 to 2 hours 3 6 Lecture reduced from 4 to 3 hours 4 7 Practical Laboratory reduced from 7 to 6 hours Project 4 8 Practical Laboratory reduced from 12 to 10 hours Project II 4 8 Project reduced from 12 to 10 hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours API Process and 2 4 Reduce Contact hours Environmental Technology Physical and Inorganic 2 4 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry Statistics 2 4 Reduce Contact hours Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 5 Reduce Contact hours 5
3D Organic Chemistry () 3 5 Reduce Contact hours Good Manufacturing 3 5 Lecture reduced from Practice and quality 3 to 2 hours Systems Systems Validation 4 7 Reduce Contact hours from 3 to 2 hours Drug Synthesis 4 7 Reduce Contact hours Industrial Statistics 4 7 Reduce Contact hours Advanced Statistics 4 8 Reduce Contact hours Project 4 8 Reduce Project hours from 12 to 10 hours Manufacturing 4 8 Reduce Contact hours Technology Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours 6
Scientific Analysis 1 (Chromatographic Techniques & Measurement Systems) 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Statistics 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Good Manufacturing Practice and quality Systems 3 5 Reduce Contact hours 3 5 Lecture reduced from 3 to 2 hours Industrial Statistics 4 7 Reduce Contact hours Laboratory Skills 4 7 Reduce hours from 12 to 10 hours Advanced Biopharma and Cell Technology 4 8 Reduce Contact hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 addon) BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours 7
BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add BSc in Bioanalysis (ab initio L7 Ordinary degree and L7 add Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Scientific Analysis 1 (Chromatographic Techniques & Measurement Systems) 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Statistics 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Good Manufacturing Practice and quality Systems 3 5 Reduce Contact hours 3 5 Lecture reduced from 3 to 2 hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours 8
BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with BSc Ordinary with Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Scientific Analysis 1 (Chromatographic Techniques & Measurement Systems) 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Statistics 2 3 Reduce Contact hours API Process and Environmental Technology Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Good Manufacturing Practice and quality Systems 3D Organic Chemistry () 2 4 Reduce Contact hours 3 5 Reduce Contact hours 3 5 Lecture reduced from 3 to 2 hours 3 6 Reduce Contact hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change BSc in Chemical Analysis (L7 add-on) 3D Organic Chemistry () 3 6 Reduce Contact hours 9
Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology) L6 Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Scientific Analysis 1 (Chromatographic Techniques & Measurement Systems) 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Statistics 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Biology 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours 10
Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Chemistry) L6 Physics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 1 1 1 Reduce Contact hours Biology 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Chemistry 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Physics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Mathematics 2 1 2 Reduce Contact hours Scientific Analysis 1 (Chromatographic Techniques & Measurement Systems) 2 3 Reduce Contact hours Statistics 2 3 Reduce Contact hours API Process and Environmental Technology 2 4 Reduce Contact hours Programme Name Module Year Semester Contact hour change BSc Applied Chemistry Hons (Add-on L8) BSc Applied Chemistry Hons (Add BSc Applied Chemistry Hons (Add BSc Applied Chemistry Hons (Add Physical Chemistry 1 Inorganic Chemistry 1 4 7 Reduce Contact hours Physics and Chemistry of Materials 4 7 Reduce Contact hours Project 4 8 Reduce Project hours from 12 to 10 hours Manufacturing 4 8 Reduce Contact hours Technology 11
Recommendations Recommendation 1 The learning outcomes should be reviewed such that credits awarded are commensurate with the learning outcomes achieved. Recommendation 2 Innovative Assessment models should be explored and examined. The Sports Science Programme is a good example of the use of a wide variety of traditional and innovative assessment tools. Recommendation 3 The Programme boards should review the 70/30 split in modules and consider the alternative 40/60 split of CA and terminal examination. Recommendation 4 Specific Part Time Programmes No changes to content were to be made and all courses approved. The Panel was very happy with submission and the Department was to be commended. (a) Certificate and BSc in Sterile Services Technology This was discussed and it was explained that it was directed at the Hospital Sector and Medical Device Sector. A change of title to the Science in Contamination Control and Asepsis for the Healthcare Sector might better reflect the new content and direction of the certificate programme and should be considered by the Programme Board. 12
(b) Certificate in GMP BSc in Pharmaceutical Technology This programme was delivered on-line and in-house and also on site. The Panel suggested using Pencasting for delivery. Currently the Institute uses Adobe. (c) Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Production and This programme was discussed. No changes to content is recommended, however the Panel recommend that the title be changed to Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. (d) Masters in Pharmaceutical Production No changes to content is recommended, however the Panel recommend that the title be changed to Masters in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Process Technology. (e) Special Purpose Awards and Minor Awards The Panel recommend approval of the minor/special purpose award, the Certificate in Science in Instrumental Analysis, associated with the Science (Bio & Pharmaceutical Analysis). The Panel recommends approval of the other minor/special purpose awards outlined in the Appendix. Recommendation 5 Specific Full Time Programmes (a) BSc in Sport Science, Level 7 and 8 With regard to Psychology, behavioural Science, the theme of Psychology is examined rather than Psychology itself. This should be addressed in the syllabus. The module - Practical skills should be renamed Laboratory and laboratory Research Skills, as the Panel felt the title did not entirely reflect the content. 13
With regard to the placement module this should be accredited. With regard to titles of modules e.g. Motor Learning and Performance; Ergonomics of Training, the title does not always reflect the content and the word Physical should be added to stress the health aspect. With regard to the two projects, the final project in fourth year is being done a disservice in its title and credits. At fourth year, it should be entitled Thesis and should have a higher credit rating than 15. The Panel were of the firm view that additional space needs to be found to accommodate the current and projected numbers of students on this course so that the current student experience in laboratory based modules can be improved upon. (b) BSc in Pharmaceutical Science, Level 7 and 8 With regard to the balance of API in fourth year, focus needs to be broader based to include more chromatographic techniques including U.P.L.C./CE and I.C.P. The Advanced Statistics module should be renamed as Clinical Statistics to better reflect the content. The placement in year three is welcomed. However some students may not be successful in gaining an industrial placement. The Programme Board should consider constructing a schedule of thirty credits from modules delivered by the Institute contemporaneously with the placement so that students may readily undertake relevant learning. These modules could be exclusively taught, or practical/project based or a mixture. The joint programme delivered in the Nanjing Institute of Technology is approved. The modifications in respect of Conditions and Recommendations also apply to this joint programme. 14
(c) BSc in DNA and Forensic Analysis The panel stated that this was a very niche degree and students should be advised beforehand of the totality of employment prospects in this country. It was suggested that there should be an optional ten credit placement, which would make the graduate more attractive to relevant employment or a mentorship programme for students. The industrial placement should be considered for a minor award of ten credits (i.e. student would be expected to source appropriate employment and complete a work based on-line diary which would assessed for the ten credits.) Considerations should be given to the replacement of Forensic Science in the title by Forensic Analysis. (d) BSc in Bioanalysis, Level 7 and 8 The panel stated there should be a placement module on this course. The target employer is different to Pharmaceutical and so could be a different season of placements, perhaps before Christmas in Semester 5, or after the May exams. There is a paucity of Environmental Awareness in any of the bioanalysis streams and consideration should be given to include some environmental awareness as part of an existing module. The same minor award suggestion for placement could also apply on this programme. Recommendation 6 With regard to all courses, it is important to pursue and attain more industry visits to outside companies, with student requirement of report being written up on the visit. 15
APPENDIX Suite of Programmes for which Accreditation is sought Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary in Sports Science and Health Major Major Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 180 Embedded Awards Science after 2 years Bachelor of Science (Honours) Programme Title Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Health-1 year add on Major Major Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 : Offered as a 1 year Add-on Degree to the Ordinary Degree in Sports Science and Health. 16
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Programme Title Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Health Major Major Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 Embedded Awards B.Sc. Ordinary in Sports Science and Health after 3 years Science after 2 years Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree in DNA & Forensic Analysis. Level 7 Review date May 9th 2013 ECTS/ACCS Credits 180 Embedded Award Science after 2 years Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in DNA & Forensic Analysis-1 year Add on Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Year 4 offered as a 1 year Add on Degree to BSc Ordinary in DNA & Forensic Analysis 17
Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in DNA & Forensic Analysis Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 Embedded Awards B.Sc. Ordinary Degree in DNA and Forensic Analysis after 3 years. Science after 2 years Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree in Pharmaceutical Science Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 180 Embedded Award Science after 2 years Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science- 1 year Add on Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 18
Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 Embedded Awards B.Sc. Ordinary Degree in Pharmaceutical Science. Science after 2 years Joint Programme Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Joint Programme Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science Joint Programme - Joint Programme- Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 This Joint programme is run with Nanjing University of Technology, Nanjing, China Two modules are delivered by ITT Dublin staff in semesters 1-6 in NJUT. Students from NJUT come to ITT Dublin to complete 4 th year of the Honours Programme. 19
Science Programme Title Science - Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry Major Major Level 6 ECTS/ACCS Credits 120 Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree in Bio analysis - 1 year add on Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Offered as a 1 year add on Ordinary Degree 20
Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree in - 1 year add on Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Offered as a 1 year add on Ordinary Degree Bachelor of Science Ordinary Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary with Specialisations in Chemical Analysis Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 180 Embedded Awards Science in Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry after two years Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Bioanalytical Science Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Year 4 offered as a 1 year Add on Degree to BSc Ordinary in Bioanalysis 21
Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Bioanalytical Science Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 Embedded Awards B.Sc. Ordinary in Bioanalysis Science Applied Biology Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Applied Chemistry - 1 year add on Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Offered as a 1 year add on Honours Degree Bachelor of Science Honours Programme Title Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Applied Chemistry Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 240 Embedded Awards B.Sc. Ordinary in Science Applied Chemistry 22
Science Programme Title Science in Bio & Pharmaceutical Analysis Mode Part time Level 6 ECTS/ACCS Credits 120 Embedded Award Minor Award Certificate in Science in Instrumental Analysis Science Programme Title Science - Sterile Services Technology Mode Part time Level 6 ECTS/ACCS Credits 120 Proposed Programme title change to this program to HC in Contamination Control and Asepsis for the Healthcare Sector. Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary in Sterile Services Management Mode Part time Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 This is offered as a 1 year add on to the Higher Certificate in Science in Sterile Services Technology 23
Science Programme Title Science in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology Mode Part time Level 6 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Embedded Awards Minor Award -Certificate in Bio Processing and Cleanroom Management Minor Award Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice & Medical Device Manufacture Minor Award Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice & Regulatory Affairs Bachelor of Science Ordinary Degree Programme Title Bachelor of Science Ordinary in Pharmaceutical Technology Mode Part time Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Special Purpose Award Science Programme Title Certificate in Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Operations Special Purpose Award Special Purpose Award Mode Part time Level 6 ECTS/ACCS Credits 65 24
Special Purpose Award Science Programme Title Certificate in Bio Processing & Healthcare Special Purpose Award Special Purpose Award Mode Part time Level 7 ECTS/ACCS Credits 40 Special Purpose Award Science Programme Title Certificate in Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Manufacturing Special Purpose Award Special Purpose Award Mode Part time Level 8 ECTS/ACCS Credits 70 Higher Diploma in Science Programme Title Higher Diploma in Science Pharmaceutical Production Mode Part time Level 9 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 Panel recommended change of title to Higher Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. 25
Masters Degree in Science Programme Title Masters Degree in Pharmaceutical Science (IMB approved) Mode & Part time Level 9 ECTS/ACCS Credits 120 Masters Degree in Science Programme Title Masters Degree in Pharmaceutical Production Mode & Part time Level 9 ECTS/ACCS Credits 60 PR meeting agreed change of title for this program to MSc in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Process Technology 26