PH1S088 - Key Skills for Careers in the Sciences 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH1S088
Module Title: Key Skills for Careers in the Sciences
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science
Module Leader: Peter Miedziak
Module Team: Natasha Galea, Rehana Karim, Suzanna Kean
First Intended Intake: SEP 2028 Final Year of Intake: 2028
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100392 - applied science 100400 - applied mathematics
HECOS Code Weighting: 60 40

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

Module Aims

1. To provide an ethos of continuing professional development, and a knowledge and skills base relating to employability and the world of work specifically within the chemical / pharmaceutical / life science sectors.

2. To revise and extend the fundamentals of mathematics required within the chemical / pharmaceutical / life science sector.

Content Summary

This module is designed to develop and support the student’s application of course specific skills in the context of the chemical / pharmaceutical / life science sectors.

Understanding and manipulating numbers through core mathematical approaches :-

  • SI units and prefixes, properties, and unit conversion.
  • Equation notation. Common course-based equations: percentage accuracy / error / yield, concentration.
  • BODMAS, brackets, manipulating and re-arranging equations.
  • Quadratic equations.
  • Logarithms and indices. Fractions, ratios, and scaling.
  • Data statistics (mean, mode, median, standard deviation) and errors (accuracy and precision).
  • Trigonometry: angles and geometry.
  • Differentiation, graphs and turning points.
  • Integration and graphs.
  • Drawing and analysis of a scientific linear graph.

Sector-based skills :-

  • Appreciation and application of relevant H&S within specific course.
  • Use of scientific databases to obtain information on chemicals and compounds.
  • Knowledge of Library services, and electronic literature databases, to search and find published work.
  • Knowledge of course appropriate scientific referencing (i.e. numerical referencing).

Professional Development skills :-

  • Basic understanding of a scientific CV and cover letter, and the etiquette of obtaining an employment reference.
  • Understanding positive and negative consequences of ‘personal social media’ on ‘professional employment’, and the appropriate use of social media to aid in the search for employment and career networking.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Practical classes and workshops 20
Independent Study 50
Directed Study 102
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Problem / challenge based learning 16
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop an understanding of the sector and its associated regulatory frameworks, and to demonstrate sector related skills.
LO2 Develop and demonstrate professional and personal skills relevant to the student’s academic programme.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Online test at specific key points in the academic year 60 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Presentation of taught elements of the module. 10 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1

Reading List

Relevant UK H&S Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance.

Monk, P. & Munro,L.J., Maths for Chemistry: A Chemist's Toolkit of Calculations, OUP Oxford, 2021

USW subject and academic support guides including How to reference - available

at https://library.southwales.ac.uk/