Faculty of Science

Report on Annual Programme Reviews for 2004-05

                                                                                                                                    8 May 2006

                                                                                                                                

 

  1. Timing of APRs

In accordance with University quality procedures for Annual Programme Review, a formal meeting was held with the following Schools/Departments:

 

Chemistry

11 January 2006

Human Sciences

27 January 2006

Information Science

19 January 2006

IPTME

23 January 2006

Mathematics

30 January 2006

Physics

20 December 2005

 

Minutes have been circulated to HoDs/Teaching Coordinators as appropriate.

Computer Science will undergo a Periodic Programme Review in May 2006.

 

  1. Documentation

All departments provided excellent documentation.  There were some minor errors in the statistics presented; departments should use the ‘official’ university statistics.

 

  1. Module Questionnaire Feedback

It is important that students are made aware of actions taken as a result of their feedback; this should be on the agenda of staff/students committee meetings.

 

  1. Personal Tutoring & Supervision

Most, but not all, staff keep records of meetings with personal tutees and project students; all staff should do this.

 

  1. Personal Development Planning (PDP)

·                All departments were required to offer a facility to students to record their own personal development wef. October 2005.

·                Chemistry offers the recording system provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

·                IPTME and Mathematical Sciences both offer RAPID; Physics intend to do so wef. October 2006.

·                Information Science offers RAPID Express.

·                Human Sciences do not offer a PDP scheme but will consider offering RAPID Express wef. October 2006.

Departmental Summaries

 

  1. Chemistry

1.1                 Issues raised by last APR/PPR

No outstanding issues.

1.2                 UG Programmes

There was a significant increase in applications for 2005 and the department exceeded its intake targets. Progression was low, even after SAP, on some programmes.  The department has set up a working party to look at drop out rates and progression rates from Parts A to B and B to C.  Part C achievement was good.

1.3                 PG Programmes

Chemical Sciences MSc

Intake has increased.  Progression was good although the pass rates are misleading.  Of 33 students considered at the exam board, 24 were awarded the MSc, three were required to resit and one failed.   The remainder were resit candidates from the previous year. 

Environmental Studies MSc

The numbers on this programme remain small.  Achievement was good with 5 out of 6 obtaining an MSc.

1.4                 Student Feedback

Feedback was generally very good.  One issue, which scored less well, related to the increasing difficulty to find large enough flat rooms to accommodate the MSc Chemical Sciences group.

1.5                 Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

All actions raised had been attended to and fed back to the following meeting.  Note however that some students on joint programmes encountered particular problems with timetabling.

1.6                 External Examiners Reports

All the reports were favourable and contained many positive comments.  Some suggested changes re supervision of placement students and undergraduate project marking will be implemented.

1.7                 Other L&T issues

The department is concerned about the viability of the MSc Chemical Sciences programme and considers it essential that this programme continue.

1.8                 Conclusion

The department has performed well in its recruitment and teaching.  There was a welcome increase in its UG applications and intake has been maintained.  Parts A & B progression rates should be monitored.  2005 PGT recruitment was excellent.

 

  1. Human Sciences         

2.1                 Issues raised by last APR/PPR

The PPR had been very favourable although problems with space and facilities had been recognized.

Key recommendations under section 13 re Limited use of the Learn Server, Presentation of module changes, Completion of new facilities and Statistics teaching had all been addressed.

Other recommendations under section 14 re Vulnerability of the three disciplines, Timely feedback for coursework assignments and Anomalies in the amount of coursework set by different tutors for the Communication and Study Skills module were in hand.

2.2   UG Programmes

There was a significant increase in applications for 2005 and the department exceeded its UK/EU intake target.   Psychology applications and intake increased significantly.  Progression (after SAP) was generally very good, although there were several areas of concern, i.e. Ergonomics Part A & Psychology with Ergonomics Part B.  Part C achievement was excellent across the programmes.

Note: Staff felt the UG programme Psychology and Ergonomics lacked identity and needed a cohort that was large enough to keep it distinct.

2.3   PG Programmes

Ergonomics

Applications and intake were static at around 17.  It is hoped to promote PGT recruitment through the new suite of Occupational Health programmes.

2.4   Student Feedback

There were some very low return rates particularly from final year students.  Programme and Project feedback had particularly low return rates.   The department needs to look at ways to improve return rates. 

2.5   Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

Students had complained of bunching of coursework deadlines.  The coursework timetable is currently under review.  The department had responded to other issues raised.

2.6   External Examiners Reports

The External Examiners report had generally been very positive.  Some issues were identified and, as a consequence, some changes will be considered and, if appropriate, implemented:

1.         the department intends to develop a system to collect and review all exam and coursework marks before the final Exam Board.

2.         the department will provide some guidance to External Examiners on its rationale for varying degree boundaries in special cases.

3.         the department will address the issue of the variation in the extent to which ethical considerations were addressed in project reports.

4.         the department will consider whether marks should remain anonymous until after the degree classification has been determined.

2.7   Other L&T issues - British Psychological Society Accreditation

The British Psychological Society had awarded accreditation to the Psychology Programme and the Psychology with Ergonomics Programme.  The accreditation panel recommended that the department should maintain a staff/student ratio of no greater than 1:20 and should consider offering tutorials in more modules.

2.8   Conclusion

The department performed well in its recruitment and teaching but has been under increasing pressure due to a significant increase in its UG applications and intake and some staffing issues.  Recent appointments should help alleviate this.  However implementation of recommendations raised in the PPR had been adversely affected by these staff changes.  There have also been recent space and refurbishment issues.

 

3         Information Science

3.1   Issues raised by last APR/PPR

The PPR outcome was very good.  No major shortcomings were identified and all minor issues had been addressed.  Key recommendations under section 13 raised the issue of delays in students’ receiving marked coursework. The department has subsequently made sure the expected turnaround time is communicated to students. This issue is particularly important to address in light of the University’s results in the area of assessment and feedback in the recent National Student Survey.

3.2   UG Programmes

Overall applications increased in 2005 and the department just reached its intake targets.  However, applications and intake to the Information Management and Computing programme declined in line with the national trend for IT and Computing programmes.  The department was taking steps to recruit in other areas to compensate for this decline.  The department intends to continue the Information Science programme although there was only one student this year.  This programme is beneficial for the profile of the department and all modules are common with other programmes.

Part A progression rates, before SAP, were disappointing.  Achievement at Part C was very good.

Some staff had also raised the issue of poor attendance on some modules.  This generally affected large Part A modules and was thought to be more to do with the timing of the lectures rather than lack of engagement.  It also occurred during weeks with coursework deadlines.  This could explain the low Part A progression rates in the summer (before SAP).

3.3   PG Programmes

Electronic Publishing

UK/EU applications had increased but applications from international students had decreased.  Intake was static at around nine.  Student achievement was good.  There would be a major review of this programme in the near future.

Information and Knowledge Management

The programme has been very successful to date.  However, it is dependent on international, mostly Chinese, students and applications from Chinese students have declined, in this case by 50%.  The department needs to concentrate on improving the conversion rate.  It will also look at re-badging the modules to make the programme more attractive.

Information and Library Management

Applications and intake have decreased.  Applicants are usually self-funded or have Arts and Humanities sponsorships.  There will also be a major review of this programme to encourage more part-time students.  It is also hoped to secure some AHRC funding to offer scholarships.  The department will try to encourage employers to offer study-release so students can study part-time.

3.4   Student Feedback

Most issues raised by students were generally minor and were dealt with quickly.  PGT students stated they felt they were being over-assessed.  The department arranged an Away-Day to review all assessment across both UG and PG programmes and has taken steps to address this issue.

3.5   Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

All issues were addressed and clearly minuted and followed-up.  It was noted that students had also raised the issue of poor attendance, at seminars and some group meetings.

3.6   External Examiners Reports (PGT reports from Hall, Ashcroft & Foster outstanding at APR)

The external examiners reports were mostly very positive.  The following issues were raised:

1.       the department should consider the linkage between assessment criteria and the Intended Learning Outcomes on the module specifications.  The department intends to look at this during the annual update of module specifications scheduled for summer 2006.

2.       the number of first class degrees being awarded had increased.  [A previous report commented on the low number of firsts awarded.]

3.       an examination paper had been leaked.  However the department had immediately taken steps to re-write the paper and introduced measures to ensure this didn’t happen again.

4.       the department should consider raising the IELTS requirement for entry to postgraduate programmes to a score of seven.  The department have considered this and instead ask for a score of seven in the written element of the test only.

3.7   Other L&T issues

None

3.8   Conclusion

The department performed well in its UG recruitment, in spite of the decline in the Information Management and Computing intake, and teaching.  Maintaining both UG & PGT applications and intake will be a challenge for the department, but it is attempting to do this by reviewing and developing its UG & PG programme portfolio.   Parts A progression rates should be monitored.

 

4         IPTME

4.1   Issues raised by last APR/PPR

1.      Equipment  The department have successfully bid for money for replacing teaching equipment from SRIF,  TIF and engCETL (to be confirmed).

2.      Bunching of coursework deadlines  The department have appointed an undergraduate tutor for whom one responsibility will be to overview all coursework deadlines.  Staff will be asked to set deadlines during the annual review of module specifications.  A coursework timetable will be published.

3.       Review of lab class provision  Provision of lab sessions has been reviewed, streamlined and updated to avoid duplication.

4.      Problems with non-English speaking staff  The department are trying to help such staff by offering constructive counselling from within the department.

5.      Renaming the BEng Materials with Management Studies programme  It has been decided that recruitment would not be improved by changing the name.

6.      The department received some funding from the Engineering CETL to develop web-based facilities for Industrial Year (DIS) and a customized Personal Development Planning system.  RAPID express is being offered to students in 2005-6.

4.2   UG Programmes

Intake across the undergraduate programmes has leveled out at around 60.  The department is still reliant on change course offers and clearing. Progression (after SAP) is poor both at Parts A and B on some programmes and should continue to be monitored.  Part C achievement is generally very good.

4.3   PG Programmes

Polymer Technology

Intake for 2005 was disappointing although it saw the first intake of UK students for some years, both full-time and part-time.   Student achievement was good with 6 out of 15 students receiving distinctions.

Materials for Industry (MFI)

Applications and intake decreased for 2005 entry, which reflected the general downturn in the manufacturing industry.  Three full-time and four part-time students withdrew. Again student achievement was good with 4 of the 10 students receiving distinctions.

Packaging Technology

This programme has been subsumed into the MFI programme. 

4.4   Student Feedback

There were no major issues.  Several minor issues re coursework and feedback remain to be addressed.

4.5   Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

There were no major issues.  All issues are dealt with promptly and responses to actions are minuted.

4.6   External Examiners Reports

Reports from IPTME External Examiners were generally positive. One raised the issue of ‘bunching of marks for some of the coursework.  The department accepted this but felt it was an inevitable result of outcome-based learning.  The situation would be monitored but immediate changes were not proposed.

The IoM3 accreditation panel commented on the high number of failures in the first year and recommended the department investigate why.

4.7   Other L&T issues

1.       The department is undertaking a strategy and efficiency review of UG and PG teaching.  Outline UG teaching proposals have been produced.  A draft document has been produced for PG teaching.

2.       The department have appointed an Examinations Officer who, along with a panel, will review all examination papers.

3.       Packaging Technology has been absorbed into Materials for Industry and the programme has separated from Brunel University.

4.       All ‘Materials’ programmes are fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IoM3), with accreditation having been reviewed and extended in May 2005.  A notable achievement was the award of accredited status to the ‘Applied Design’ programme, not only by IoM3, but also by the Institution of Engineering Design (IED).

5.       Some staff were unconvinced of the usefulness of the students centred learning week as students were not completely free of classes.

6.       The APR statistics do not currently include the SEFS and LMCP students.

7.       The fact that a programme has been accredited does not appear on student transcripts.

4.8    Conclusion

The department performed well in its recruitment and teaching. The main issues for the department are maintaining recruitment and improving first year pass rates.

 

5         Mathematical Sciences

5.1   Issues raised by last APR/PPR

1.       SSCs   The trail of actions through the minutes of staff student committee meetings was still not clear in some cases and should be rectified for future meetings.

2.       SEFS  Discussions regarding how the SEFS programme would run following Dr Mustoe’s retirement were ongoing.

5.2   UG Programmes

Although there were variations between different programmes, overall UK-EU and International applications had shown a significant increase and there had been a corresponding increase in intake.  However, Mathematics & Computing applications and intake had decreased reflecting a national trend. Progression at Part A is generally low, and poor on some programmes, and the department needs to address this.

SEFS

Applications, intake and A-level points score were comparable with previous years.  There was a high failure rate, as in previous years, with around 73% passing after SAP.  This is, in part, due to the differential progression targets set by receiving departments.

5.3   PG Programmes

Applications and intake increased slightly for 2004 and 2005 entry but it is becoming more difficult to convert international PGT applications.  The department needs to consider some initiatives to try to increase applications and intake.

5.4   Student Feedback

Feedback was mostly positive and all issues raised had been or were being addressed. 

5.5   Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

There were no major issues although the trail of actions was sometimes hard to follow.

The HoD would address the issue of Maths and Management/Maths and Accounting sandwich students using the Business School Placement Office.

5.6   External Examiners Reports

The reports for undergraduate programmes were generally positive and complimentary.   There were no issues raised.

The report for postgraduate programmes raised some concerns about the standard of some of the modules compared with those on similar programmes elsewhere.  The HoD met with the EE in November 2005 and consequently suggested a number of changes to the programme.  The EE has since submitted a modified report following his discussion with Professor Linton, which had clarified some of his concerns.

5.7   Other L&T issues

1.       The department hoped to maintain UG intake aiming for 120 UK and 25 international students for 2006 entry.  The A-level offer has been raised to try to improve the quality of the 2006 intake.

2.       The new UG programme in Financial Mathematical was being offered for 2006 entry but there were no other new programme proposals in the pipeline. 

5.8   Conclusion

The department has performed exceptionally well in its UG recruitment.  The main issues to consider are:

1.       to maintain applications and intake for its UG programmes

2.       to try to increase applications and intake for its PG programmes

3.       to address the low Part A progression rates for some UG programmes.

 

6         Physics                              APR 25 January 2005

6.1   Issues raised by last APR/PPR

1.       High failure rates.  The action to investigate high first year failure rates on the Extended Physics programme is on going.

6.2   UG Programmes

Applications and intake are increasing which is pleasing.  Progression at Parts A and B is generally low, and poor on some programmes.   The department needs to address this for all programmes.

6.3   PG Programmes

None.

6.4   Student Feedback

Overall student questionnaire feedback was generally good.  Response rates were poor for some modules and the department should look at ways to improve this.

6.5   Staff-Student Liaison Committee Meetings

There were no major issues.  However, there should be a ‘recognizable’ Actions trail through all sets of Minutes.

6.6   External Examiners Reports

The External Examiners reports were generally complimentary but also raised some issues and, one in particular, raised a number of major concerns for consideration:

1.       the practice of setting paired final year projects.

2.       high failure rates in Parts A and B.

3.       scaling of marks; he advised the department introduce a formal system for this.

4.       average coursework marks being too high. 

6.7   Other L&T issues

1.       Staff are concerned, but aware, of the low Maths A level score of some of the current students.  This had resulted from the intake policy designed to get the department out of structural deficit.  The department would try to introduce measures to cope with this to improve progression rates.

2.       The department should decide whether to continue with the UG programme in Physics and Management. 

3.       The department should consider how to expand its PGT portfolio.

6.8   Conclusion

The department performed well in its recruitment.  A pressure points is the low progression rates, particularly at Part A, on some UG programmes.  The department should urgently consider making some revisions to the first year programmes.

 

7         Summary

7.1   UG Programmes

1.       Faculty recruitment was excellent in 2005, being well above target.

2.       Retention and progression is generally satisfactory, but low progression rates at Part A continues to be an issue for some programmes and departments.  These need montitoring and action taken, where appropriate.

3.       Part C achievement is very good.

7.2   PG Programmes

Recruitment continues to be a problem on some programmes and international recruitment was below target.  The faculty has part-financed a number of departmental initiatives to attempt to overcome this.

7.3   Students

1.       Students were generally happy with the educational experience in all departments.

2.       The faculty obtained excellent results in the recent National Student Survey.

7.4   External Examiners

External Examiners reports were mostly excellent.  Some issues re the Physics Undergraduate programmes still need to be resolved.  A potential major issue re the standard of the MSc in Mathematical Sciences has now been resolved to the satisfaction of the External Examiner.