Recommendation to University Quality Committee

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY QUALITY COMMITTEE SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES STANDING PANEL 2003/2004 ACADEMIC APPROVAL RECORD Reference 1080 CONFIRMED Recommendation to University Quality Committee The validation of Matthew Boulton College and Sutton Coldfield College as collaborative link partners (joint delivery) for the HND Forensic Science in the School of Applied Sciences, by the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel. The Standing Panel is pleased to recommend to University Quality Committee approval of the following proposal: VALIDATION New Collaborative Links: HND Forensic Science (Matthew Boulton College) HND Forensic Science (Sutton Coldfield College) Modules: Existing modules Title Credits Semeste r Status Location Matthew Boulton Delivery Location Sutton Coldfield Delivery AB1001 Techniques in Biosciences 15 1 Core MBC SCC AB1102 Cell Biology and Genetics 15 2 Core UW SCC BC1001 Biochemistry 15 2 Core MBC SCC BC1003 Chemistry for Forensic 15 1 Core MBC SCC Science BC1004 Introduction to Forensic 15 1 Core UW SCC Science BM1006 Human Form Human Function 15 1 Core MBC SCC BM1008 Human Health and Disease 15 2 Core MBC SCC Prevention and Treatment EA1008 Introduction to Analysis 15 2 Core UW SCC BC2004 Molecular and Cellular 30 Year Core UW SCC Bioscience Long BC2005 Vocational Assignment 15 2 Core MBC SCC (Biosciences) BC2014 Forensic Biology 15 1 Core MBC SCC Page 1 of 18

2 BC2016 Forensic Science Practicals (30 credits), comprising of six 5-credit modules: 30 Year Long Core BC2018 Crime Scene Simulation Practical BC2009 Biochemical Separatory Techniques BC2011 Practical Skills in Molecular Biology BC2013 Forensic Analysis of Biological Materials BC2012 Forensic Extraction and Analysis of Organic Materials UW UW UW UW UW SCC UW UW UW UW EA2033 Forensic Analysis of Materials UW UW EA2000 Samples and Separations 15 1 Core MBC SCC EA2007 Spectroscopic Methods of 15 2 Core MBC SCC Analysis DATE OF THE NEXT REVIEW The next review of the HND Forensic Science portfolio (to include the new collaborative link partners) is scheduled to take place by the end of the 2005/2006 academic year, following the annual monitoring report in January/February The Standing Panel is aware that the University Quality Committee reserves the right to review all decisions made by the Panel, to ratify approvals and to follow up on any issues identified in the AAR as the Committee sees fit. BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSAL: The School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel validated BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and HND Forensic Science during the 2002/2003 academic year. During the 2003/2004 academic year, the Standing Panel validated BSc (Hons) Forensic Molecular Biology. Following a year of successful delivery of the HND, the School proposed to introduce two collaborative link partners to the pathway. It was therefore proposed that joint delivery of the pathway with Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham, and Sutton Coldfield College be validated. Forensic Science is currently enjoying a period of popularity, and the collaborative links would build upon the level of interest amongst prospective students. The HND would not in itself provide the holder with an entrée into the Forensic Science Service, however it was accepted that the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the insurance industry offer growing opportunities for those who achieve this qualification. In the long term, the School would be seeking formal accreditation for its forensic science routes. The School had received statements of support from the principals of both colleges. Page 2 of 18

3 PROCESS: Following approval by the Academic Development Panel, the proposal was delegated to the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel for consideration. The sub-group of the Standing Panel, including the Panel Chair, was delegated to consider the proposal. The Standing Panel received details of the proposal via the University-based key proposer, including pathway guides from each of the colleges, CVs of college staff and draft memoranda of co-operation. Standing Panel representatives visited both colleges. A tour of the learning and teaching resources, including specialist equipment, was provided by the colleges. The Panel representatives then discussed issues around quality assurance, learning resources and student support and guidance with the Panel. Having analysed the submission documentation, and on the advice of the Head of the University s Quality and Academic Standards Division, the Standing Panel did not feel that it was necessary for an external adviser to be appointed, particularly as no amendments to the curriculum were proposed. Following the visits, the Panel requested and was supplied with lists of learning resources from both colleges. The Standing Panel then met the University-based key proposer to discuss the Panel s findings from the visits, and to discuss similar issues as those discussed with the college staff, but from a University perspective. Summary of process: Date Action/meeting 08/03/04 Proposal Plan approved by Academic Development Panel 04/06/04 Submission documentation received by Standing Panel 09/06/04 Standing Panel resource visit and meeting with staff at Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham 17/06/04 Standing Panel resource visit and meeting with staff at Sutton Coldfield College 12/07/04 Standing Panel meeting with University-based key proposer 14/07/04 Final documentation received from Matthew Boulton College 15/07/04 Final documentation received from Sutton Coldfield College 27/04/04 Proposal approved by Standing Panel Critical Evaluation The Standing Panel received copies of the proposed pathway guides and draft memoranda of co-operation for both colleges. The Panel felt that the documentation was well produced, and fit for purpose. Matthew Boulton College Standing Panel representatives visited Matthew Boulton College, and were given a tour of the resources. The Panel was entirely satisfied that the teaching accommodation was appropriate for HND Forensic Science, and that adequate specialist resources were available. The learning centre and IT facilities were impressive and available at appropriate times. The Standing Panel s learning centre representative viewed details of the College s learning resources and confirmed that they were fit for purpose. Pastoral support was very good, and the Panel commended the use of a CD ROM for induction. The Panel representative met the College s proposing team, who were fully aware of the requirements of Ofsted and QAA inspections, and had been informed of the forthcoming QAA audit of the University s collaborative links. Page 3 of 18

4 Appropriate quality assurance procedures were in place, and the staff were aware of the University s quality procedures. The Standing Panel confirmed that staff were adequately qualified to teach on the HND. It was noted that the College was re-locating to Birmingham City Centre in new purpose-built accommodation, which it was anticipated would lead to an improvement in the available resources. The Standing Panel was assured that students were willing to travel from the present site to Wolverhampton to study, and travel would be even easier when the College re-located. Sutton Coldfield College The Standing Panel representatives also visited Sutton Coldfield College, and were again given a tour of the resources. The Panel was very impressed by the availability of specialist resources, particularly by the proposed crime scene room, which was under construction. The general teaching accommodation was plentiful and fit for purpose. Support and guidance services available to students were good. Due to the location of the College in relation to Wolverhampton, the Panel queried whether students would be able or willing to travel to the University. The College felt that most students would be able to travel easily by public transport from Sutton Coldfield to Wolverhampton. Should any problems arise, the College would provide a minibus service to ensure that students were able to attend. The learning centre was adequately equipped with IT facilities, and an IT drop-in area was also available to students. The Standing Panel s learning centre representative viewed details of the College s learning resources and confirmed that they were fit for purpose. The Panel was very impressed by the College s key skills centre, and use of dyslexia screening for all students.. The Panel met the College s proposing team and was extremely impressed by their enthusiasm for the subject and their level of professionalism. The Team were clearly aware of the quality assurance procedures, and provided the Panel with a copy of their own Quality Procedures Handbook. The Standing Panel confirmed that staff were adequately qualified to teach on the HND. The Panel commended the College s plans to assist students in enrolling on the University system online during the College enrolment session if possible. University Key Proposer The Standing Panel met the key proposer, Dr Raul Sutton of the School of Applied Sciences. Dr Sutton confirmed the quality assurance procedures that would be adopted during the validation. The Panel was confident that appropriate action had been taken to ensure that the collaborative pathways would be fully integrated into the quality assurance systems at the University. The Panel was also pleased to note Dr Sutton s keenness to ensure that the links were managed in line with the quality processes. Page 4 of 18

5 Details of Panel and Participants School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel Academic Year: 2003/2004 Chair: Ms Gillian Gollins Officer: Mr Ian Jones Standing Panel Membership Mr Don Adamson (School of Art and Design) Dr Gill Conde (School of Applied Sciences) Ms Ann Detheridge (School of Applied Sciences) Ms Gill Gollins (Chair, University of Wolverhampton Business School) Ms Joss Granger (Department of Learning Resources) Mr Ian Jones (Officer, Quality & Academic Standards Division) Ms Maggie Jones (Supporting Officer, Quality & Academic Standards Division) Ms Charlotte Joseph (Head of Counselling) Ms Caroline Richards (Registry) Ms Millie Smith (Deputy Chair, School of Health) Dr Glynne Watkin (School of Applied Sciences) Preb. Geoffrey Wynne (Deputy Chair, Chaplaincy) Standing Panel members delegated to consider the proposal: Dr Gill Conde (School of Applied Sciences) Ms Ann Detheridge (School of Applied Sciences) Ms Jill Gollins (Chair, University of Wolverhampton Business School) Ms Joss Granger (Department of Learning Resources) Mr Ian Jones (Officer, Quality & Academic Standards Division) Ms Caroline Richards (Registry) Proposing Team: Dr Raul Sutton Ms Anna Green Ms Liz Green Mr Colin Parr Mr Paul Smithard (Key Proposer, School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton) (Faculty Head, Sutton Coldfield College) (Science Programme Manager, Sutton Coldfield College) (Faculty Director, Sutton Coldfield College) (HE Science Course Leader, Sutton Coldfield College) Dr Gurmail Bassi (Proposer, Matthew Boulton College) Ms Louise Scott-Worral (Associate Director, Matthew Boulton College) Attachments: Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Appendix 4: Extracts of Standing Panel minutes Minutes of the Standing Panel resource visit to Matthew Boulton College Minutes of the Standing Panel resource visit to Sutton Coldfield College Minutes of the Standing Panel meeting with the key proposer, Dr Raul Sutton Signed (Standing Panel Chair)... Date... Page 5 of 18

6 Appendix A SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES STANDING PANEL CONFIRMED Extract of the minutes of the meeting of the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel held on Thursday 8 th January 2004 at 2pm in the Chaplaincy Centre, City Campus. (Including details of informal meeting held with Dr John Smith and Ms Viv Amond on Wednesday 7 th January 2004) 1. Attendance and Apologies Attendance: Ms Gill Gollins (Chair) Dr Gillian Conde (SAS) Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Ms Charlotte Joseph (Head of Counselling) Ms Caroline Richards (Registry) Ms Millie Smith (Deputy Chair) Ms Pauline Walsh (SH) Dr Glynne Watkin (SAS) Preb. Geoffrey Wynne (Deputy Chair) Apologies: Ms Joss Granger (Department of Learning Resources) Dr Alison Halstead (CeLT) Ms Maggie Jones (Officer) Mr Don Adamson (SAD) HND Forensic Science Noted Dr John Smith informed the Panel at the meeting held on 7 th January 2004 that a proposal is to be put to ADP for the addition of collaborative links with Matthew Boulton College and Sutton College on the HND Forensic Science programme. Page 6 of 18

7 Appendix A School of Applied Sciences CONFIRMED Extract of the minutes of the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel held on Wednesday 25 th February 2004 at 10am in the Chaplaincy Centre, City Campus. 1.0 Attendance and Apologies Attendance: Ms Gill Gollins (Chair) Dr Gillian Conde (SAS) Ms Joss Granger (Learning Resources) Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Ms Maggie Jones (Officer) Ms Charlotte Joseph (Head of Counselling) Ms Caroline Richards (Registry) Ms Millie Smith (Deputy Chair) Ms Pauline Walsh (SH) Preb. Geoffrey Wynne (Deputy Chair) Apologies: Apologies were receive from Ms Ann Detheridge (SAS). 15 Other proposals Noted: The Standing Panel noted the position with the following proposals: HND Forensic Science addition of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Colleges as collaborative links - to be submitted to ADP. Page 7 of 18

8 Appendix A School of Applied Sciences CONFIRMED Extract of the minutes of the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel held on Thursday 1 st April 2004 at 10am in the Chaplaincy Centre, City Campus. 1 Attendance and Apologies Attendance: Ms Gill Gollins (Chair) Ms Ann Detheridge (SAS) Ms Joss Granger (Learning Resources) Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Ms Maggie Jones (Officer) Ms Charlotte Joseph (Head of Counselling) Ms Caroline Richards (Registry) Ms Millie Smith (Deputy Chair) Ms Pauline Walsh (SH) Preb. Geoffrey Wynne (Deputy Chair) Apologies: Dr Gillian Conde (SAS) 14 HND Forensic Science (addition of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges as collaborative partners) Noted ADP had approved the addition of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges as collaborative partners for the HND in Forensic Science for submission to the Standing Panel. The proposal plan had not been made available to date. A deadline for the submission of validation proposal documentation had yet to be agreed. The Panel felt that the most appropriate way to proceed would be for the relevant Panel members to visit the two colleges (to tour resources and meet staff) and meet the University proposer (Dr Raul Sutton). It was felt that the three meetings could be held on one day. An external adviser would not be required and no additional information would be required for SITS. Action Mr Ian Jones to contact Dr Raul Sutton to make appropriate arrangements for the visits to the colleges. Page 8 of 18

9 Appendix A School of Applied Sciences DRAFT Extract of the minutes of the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel held on Thursday 10 th June 2004 at 10am in the Chaplaincy Centre, City Campus. 1. Attendance Ms Jill Gollins (Chair) Ms Joss Granger Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Ms Maggie Jones (Officer) Ms Charlotte Joseph Ms Caroline Richards Ms Milly Smith (Deputy Chair) Dr Glynne Watkin Preb. Geoffrey Wynne (Deputy Chair) Apologies None 3. Action Checklist Noted The resource visit for the HND Forensic Science to Matthew Boulton College had taken place on 9 th June The visit to Sutton Coldfield College would take place on 17 th June Action Closed 14 HND Forensic Science addition of collaborative links Noted Ms Jill Gollins and Mr Ian Jones had visited Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham on 9 th June The Panel representatives were very impressed with the College s resources and would be recommending approval of the addition of the collaborative link, subject to the submission of satisfactory proposal documentation. A resource visit to Sutton Coldfield College would take place on 17 th June Page 9 of 18

10 Appendix B SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE STANDING PANEL CONFIRMED Validation of additional collaborative links for the HND Forensic Science Notes of the resource visit to Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham, held on Wednesday 9 th June 2004 Present: Standing Panel representatives Ms Jill Gollins (Chair) Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Matthew Boulton College representatives Dr Gurmail (Nick) Bassi (Proposer) Louise Scott-Worral (Associate Director) Structure of Course The Standing Panel representatives noted that the modules were already validated, and the aim of the event was therefore to approve the addition of Matthew Boulton College as a collaborative link partner. It was noted that in semester one students would study three modules at Matthew Boulton College and one at the University. They would therefore spend one half-day in Wolverhampton and three half days at the College. In the second semester they would study two modules at each institution, therefore spending two half days at both the University and the College. The target recruitment for the award at Matthew Boulton College would be 15 students. The college currently had three teaching staff for the award, and this could be expanded as the curriculum develops. Teaching Facilities Dr Bassi gave the Standing Panel representatives a tour of the facilities that would be available to HND Forensic Science students, although it was noted that the college was relocating to Aston and so from 2005/2006 improved facilities would be available. The Standing Panel representatives were shown the following teaching facilities: Dental Technology Laboratory, including dental radiography equipment, internet link and other specialist equipment (the proposers were considering the possibility of introducing a new level two module in this area); Pharmacy Laboratory, including specialist equipment, a dispensing counter, a pharmacy store, and a teaching classroom. It also included an aseptic laboratory which was in need of refurbishment, although it would not be used during the first year of delivery; Microbiology Laboratory; Chemistry Laboratory, including chemical stores and a range of academic videos; Instrumentation Laboratory; The Panel representatives were entirely satisfied that the teaching accommodation was perfectly adequate, and that the specialist resources required were in place. The College representatives also stated that the facilities available for forensic science at the University were excellent. Learning Resources The Panel were also shown one of the Skills Development Centres (there is one in each of the College s main buildings). This included ample IT facilities (1:5 ratio), as well as two printers and a Page 10 of 18

11 Appendix B scanner. The Centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm (until 7pm on Wednesdays). Weekend opening had been trialled, but had not proved successful. Further IT facilities were available in the library and Apple Macs were available in the IT suite for use by disabled students. The library was open Mondays to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with late night opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Within the library was a careers advice service, which offers a range of information on future careers and further education opportunities, including university prospectuses. The Panel representatives were completely satisfied that the IT facilities were adequate. The proposers agreed to submit a list of relevant learning resources for the Panel s learning centre representative to inspect. Student Support and Guidance The College had a student support department which offers pastoral support to students. On enrolment, students are given a CD ROM which contains all of the necessary induction material. The Panel representatives were given copies of the CD ROM and were very impressed with the content. The Panel was shown the College s financial advice centre, as well as a centre offering students general advice. Quality The College has forthcoming Ofsted and QAA inspections, and so was fully aware of the requirements for these. The Panel was pleased to note this given the imminent audit of the University s collaborative links. Course team meetings are held once per term with student representatives in attendance. Minutes will be submitted to the University. Students are given satisfaction surveys to complete each year. The College has an Equal Opportunities Committee which meets termly and feeds back to the College s Academic Board. IT facilities were provided for disabled students and rise and fall benches were provided in all laboratories (others had low benches). The appeals and complaints procedures are fully outlined to students on the induction CD ROM. Additional Documentation The proposers provided the Panel with the following additional documentation: Student Induction CD ROM; Details of Infotrac Online Databases; Details of journals and periodicals held by the library; Details of the Knoweurope online database; A web directory, containing a list of useful websites for staff and students; Details of the Careers Advice service, including useful web sites; Recognising Diversity and Equality Information Booklet; Student Support Services Information Booklet 2003/2004; Financial Information for all students 2003/2004 Booklet; Information for Access Fund 2003/2004 Booklet; A Guide to Producing Bibliographies, References and Citations; Library and Learning Centre Guide; Matthew Boulton College prospectus 2003/2004; Internal Verification Manual. Page 11 of 18

12 Appendix B Conclusion The Panel representatives were very impressed with the resources offered by the College in terms of teaching, learning resources and student support and guidance. The Panel was also entirely satisfied that adequate quality assurance procedures were in place, both at the College and between the College and the University. Page 12 of 18

13 Appendix C SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES STANDING PANEL CONFIRMED Resource visit to Sutton Coldfield College for the validation of an additional collaborative link for HND Forensic Science and foundation provision for BSc (Hons) Science and Technology held on Thursday 17th June 2004 Present: Standing Panel representatives Ms Jill Gollins (Chair) Mr Ian Jones (Officer) Sutton Coldfield College representatives Ms Anna Green (Faculty Head) Ms Liz Green (Programme Manager, Science) Ms Martine Owens (Learning Resource Centre Manager) Mr Colin Parr (Faculty Head) Mr Paul Smithard (HE Science Course Leader) Purpose of visit The Standing Panel representatives visited Sutton Coldfield College to assess the suitability of the teaching, learning and support facilities that would be available to students on the proposed new collaborative links for HND Forensic Science and the foundation level of BSc (Hons) Science and Technology. The Standing Panel representatives noted that the curriculum was already validated. The Panel representatives were given a tour of the resources and met the course team to discuss the operation of the programmes. The Science Course Leader informed the Panel representatives that the targets for the first year of delivery could easily be met, or even exceeded (subject to HEFCE funding). Teaching facilities/resources Due to the foundation level of the Science & Technology provision, it would not require specialist teaching equipment, but would rather be classroom based. Following the tour of the resources, the Standing Panel representatives were satisfied that adequate teaching accommodation was available. The Panel representatives were shown the following specialist facilities which would be used for delivery of HND Forensic Science: Crime Scene Room, which would include several simulated crime scenes (i.e. bedroom, kitchen). The room was still under development, although the Panel representatives were assured that this would soon be completed; Outdoor crime scene area; Search and Recovery Room, from where evidence taken from the Crime Scene Room would be taken for analysis; Forensic laboratory, including projector and PC, as well as an ante-lab and specialist crime scene equipment; Chemistry laboratory, with prep room and digital projector; Physics laboratory; Page 13 of 18

14 Appendix C Biology laboratory, including examples of drugs and fingerprinting equipment; Human Biology laboratory. The Panel representatives noted the provision of a first aid room in close proximity to the laboratories. All theory content would be taught at the College, as would much of the practical work. However, practical work requiring certain specialist equipment which the College does not have would be taught at the University. The University has also offered to transport some specialist equipment to the College on a short-term basis when required. As the practical sessions would be taught in a block mode, students would not be required to travel to the University on a regular basis, although they would be encouraged to do so in order to take advantage of the facilities available. Technical support for teaching is provided by the Audio-Visual Department. Student Support and Guidance The Panel representatives were shown the support and guidance services offered to College students, with particular reference to forensic science and science & technology. A confidential counselling service was available for students on both the forensic science and science & technology provision, which was located near to the main area in which the students would be taught. The College has a Connexions careers advice centre, open Mondays to Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm, which offers a range of careers advice to all students. Where appropriate, the College would provide a minibus service to take students to the University, although it was felt that public transport was sufficient for students to travel independently. Learning Resources The Learning Resource Centre is open Mondays to Thursdays from 8.15am to 8pm, Fridays from 10am to 4.45pm. Saturday opening is under consideration. During holiday periods, the Centre is open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. The Manager agreed to supply the Panel representatives with a list of the learning resources specific to science & technology and forensic science. The Manager was confident that the budget would allow the College to purchase any additional resources recommended by the Panel. The Panel representatives were provided with copies of guides given to students detailing relevant web sites for the following subjects, which would be passed to the Panel s learning centre representative for comment: Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Forensic Science; Physics. The Panel representatives were provided with copies of guides given to students useful sections of the library, periodicals, videos/dvds, information packs and CD ROMs for the following subjects, which would be passed to the Panel s learning centre representative for comment: Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Forensic Science; Page 14 of 18

15 Appendix C Mathematics; Physics; Science. The Learning Resource Centre has 46 PCs, with an additional 65 provided in the drop-in IT area. The Learning Resource Centre would be undergoing refurbishment to accommodate a new HE Resource Room. A Key Skills Centre is available for use by students, which carries out diagnostic tests on entry for sixth form and adult students. A help desk is available to support students. The College has a large Adult Learning Workshop, which provides general learning advice. English and mathematics workshops were also provided to aid students in these areas. Post-18 students are given access to an Adult Management Centre, which acts as a common room and includes a small canteen area. Equal Opportunities The Panel representatives were confident that the facilities to be used by students on both courses had good disabled access, with ramps and lifts where appropriate. In laboratories, separate add-on benches could be provided for wheelchair users. The College also has a Supported Learning Co-ordinator who offers guidance to students with learning difficulties and disabilities. The College undertakes dyslexia pre-screening. In order to take into account the needs of students with a wide range of needs, classes would, where possible, be timetabled between 10am and 3pm. A crèche was provided at the College. The College agreed to supply the Panel with a copy of the College s equal opportunities statement. Quality Assurance At the end of each academic year, the course team would write a self-assessment report, including an action plan. Actions would be addressed during the following academic year, with a mid-year review in February to analyse any progress made. The Panel representatives recommended that the College invite appropriate University representatives to attend quality meetings. The proposing team agreed to supply the Panel representatives with a copy of the Quality Procedures Handbook. Student feedback is provided through a student satisfaction survey completed at the end of semester. Student representatives from each year sit on course committees. Marking is internally verified and then samples are inspected by Edexcel representatives. Admissions, enrolment and induction An administrator at the College was working alongside the Head of Admissions at the University to make arrangements for enrolment at the College and University. The Panel representatives noted that the University would be enrolling students online and advised the College to assist students with this during enrolment at the College if possible. The College agreed that this would be useful for students, and agreed to take on board the Panel s comments. Page 15 of 18

16 Appendix C Students would apply through UCAS to the University. The College expressed an interest in interviewing students who did not meet the normal admissions criteria. The Panel recommended that the College discuss this with the proposing team at the University to make appropriate arrangements. The College also agreed with the Panel s recommendation that students should be taken to the University in the first instance to introduce them to the facilities. Students would be given the College s standard two-day induction in addition to the University induction. They would also be given a set of taster sessions at the beginning of the course. Additional Documentation The proposers provided the Panel with the following additional documentation: Sutton Coldfield College Sixth Form Centre Prospectus Sutton Coldfield College Higher Education Prospectus Sutton Coldfield College Spring/Summer Course Guide 2004 Conclusion The Panel representatives were entirely satisfied that the resources and facilities at the College were appropriate for the delivery of both the forensic science and the science & technology provision. The College agreed to submit the following documentation: Learning resource list; Quality Procedures Handbook; Equal Opportunities statement. Page 16 of 18

17 Appendix D SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES STANDING PANEL CONFIRMED Validation of additional collaborative links for HND Forensic Science Minutes of the meeting held in the staff room, Millennium City Building, City Campus on Monday 12 th July 2004 at 9am between the School of Applied Sciences Standing Panel and Dr Raul Sutton to discuss quality issues around the validation of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges as new collaborative link partners for the HND Forensic Science. Present: Standing Panel Ms Jill Gollins (Chair, SAS Standing Panel) Mr Ian Jones (Officer, SAS Standing Panel) School of Applied Sciences Dr Raul Sutton (Key Proposer) Notes: The Panel noted that they had visited Matthew Boulton College and Sutton Coldfield College on 9 th and 17 th June 2004 respectively to tour the relevant resources and discuss pertinent issues with the proposing teams. The Panel was very impressed with the resources available at both of the colleges, and commended the organisation and enthusiasm of the staff at both institutions. The Panel s learning centre representative would be analysing details of learning resources at the colleges when they were submitted. She would make recommendations for additional purchases where necessary. Dr Sutton was informed that the Panel was meeting with him to discuss issues around the quality assurance processes between the University and the colleges (much of the detail of which was included in the submission documentation) to confirm that appropriate arrangements were in place. Dr Sutton noted that the QAA audit of collaborative links was forthcoming and was keen to ensure that quality assurance processes were stringent. Students would be recruited by the colleges, but would be processed through the University s admissions procedures. Dr Sutton noted that a separate UCAS code would be created for each institution. The induction would take place at both the colleges and the University. Efforts would be made to ensure that students feel as though they belong to the University, and they would be given an introduction to WOLF, IT facilities, the Harrison Learning Centre and supplied with ID cards. Dr Sutton noted that in future, the colleges may develop new elective modules in their specialist areas. The Panel was informed by Dr Sutton that all of the modules to be delivered at the colleges were already being delivered by the University. College staff would be full members of the module team, with a University member of staff remaining as module leader. College staff would have an associate module leader who would oversee issues specifically relating to the delivery of the module in their institution. Such staff would be integrated into all of the School s quality assurance procedures, with the exception of staff-student liaison committees. The colleges would have their own staff-student liaison committee meetings, which would concentrate on college-specific issues. The School s staff-student liaison Page 17 of 18

18 Appendix D committee includes the completion of an action plan, which clearly identifies to students how their concerns are to be addressed. The assessment tasks delivered by the colleges would be identical to those delivered by the University. All modules have re-sit tasks written as well as the original tasks. Should one of the colleges deliver an examination on a different day to when it is delivered by the University, the college students would be set an alternative but equivalent assessment task. This would prevent students from being aware of the questions in advance of the examination. Dr Sutton confirmed that moderation of college assessments would be undertaken by the University-based module leader. The colleges would feed into the University s annual monitoring processes, with a separate section on issues specific to each institution. The existing external examiner s remit would be extended to include the new collaborative links, and it was anticipated that he would visit the colleges. Staff from the colleges would attend subject boards to consider the modules delivered at their institution, and would also attend award boards. Dr Sutton would be liaising with the colleges to ensure that they were aware of how the University s mitigating circumstances procedures operate. The Standing Panel was pleased to approve the addition of the colleges as collaborative link partners. This would be formally articulated in the Academic Approval Record, to be submitted to UQC. Page 18 of 18