BI2PEX: Professional Experience

Module code: BI2PEX

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 120

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Renee Lee , email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: Maxi placement

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in a professional setting that is relevant to your field of study. You will be able to apply theoretical knowledge gained throughout your academic studies to practical situations, fostering the development of essential skills, competencies and professional attributes.

Throughout the duration of the placement, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to projects, tasks, and initiatives (where applicable) under the guidance and mentorship of experienced professionals within your chosen industry. By actively participating in day-to-day operations, you will gain first-hand insight into industry practices, trends, and challenges, thus enhancing your understanding of the field and refining your problem-solving abilities. By engaging in the responsibilities of your chosen role, you are empowered to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to excel in your chosen career path(s), thereby improving your employment prospect in an increasingly competitive recruitment marketplace.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Gain practical exposure to the professional environment relevant to their field of study
2. Apply theoretical knowledge gained from academic studies to real-world scenarios
3. Demonstrate their skills, competencies and professionalism in a workplace
4. Reflect on their personal development and growth throughout the placement

Module content

The nature of the placement will vary depending on the host organisation, but it is expected that you will integrate into the organisation and make a useful contribution to the work of the team.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure briefing prior to the start of their placement year. The session will prepare the students for their placement year and cover the essentials, ranging from work etiquette, well-being to the assignment guidelines. Students will subsequently undertake a year-long placement (9-12 working months), giving them the opportunity to gain work experience in an industry that is relevant to their programme of study. Students will receive support from the host organisation and the School Director of Placements and Employability whilst they are on placement. There will be a mandatory mid-point review (visit) by a member of staff during the placement year. This will usually happen halfway through the year and allow the school to catch-up with the students and their line managers to ensure that everything is going smoothly and that the students are making good progress. Students are required to submit a placement report detailing their placement upon their return to the university. This will be followed by a short oral presentation to prospective placement students. 

Study hours

This module is a placement or study abroad module and therefore the teaching and learning activities will predominantly, or entirely, take place away from the ÌÇÐÄ̽»¨. Your host organisation will normally advise you of the associated hours of your placement or year abroad. If the module includes any in-person activities at the ÌÇÐÄ̽»¨, these will be confirmed to you before the start of the module.