Work placement year involving a research project in industry or a research establishment.

The placement year is taken during the fourth year of the 5-year degree programme and lasts between 10-12 months.

Oral presentation (13%) and project report (40%, marked by both the Glasgow academic supervisor and a second Glasgow academic), distance learning (18%) and assessment of practical skills (29%). Assessment of the placement year contributes 20% towards final degree.

The placement year aims are to provide students with: Enhanced training in practical chemistry skills; Experience of alternative professional environments; Opportunities for enhancing communication skills; Opportunities for demonstrating initiative in a practical environment; First-hand experience of scientific research.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• give an oral account of experimental work performed and conclusions drawn from it

• prepare a detailed written report on an experimental investigation

• apply logical analysis to problem solving

• make a preliminary definition of goals to be achieved during open-ended project work and revise these goals and strategies for completion of the work in the light of results achieved and difficulties encountered

• write a report on an extended piece of project work, which should include a critical evaluation of the significance of the work, and how it compares with earlier work done in the same area

• prepare an abstract of experimental or project work performed in the accepted scientific format

• prepare and present audio-visual presentations summarizing the results of a project

• appreciate open problems typical of business situations;

• interact positively with colleagues in a group context

• apply team-working skills to address a complex problem and contribute significantly to the work of a group tackling such a problem, combining their own work constructively with the work of others

• contribute to the management of a group engaged in project work