Plans backed to address academic performance in Chemistry

Work to improve academic performance and student experience in the Department of Chemistry is getting under way after Council backed a number of changes.

Recommendations for a narrower focus for Chemistry teaching and research were endorsed by Council at its meeting on Wednesday (20 November).

This was after Council members agreed that action was needed to address underperformance and change the culture in the Department, which has seen challenges with student experience, NSS feedback and research standards over several years.

Following an extensive discussion at Council, it was agreed that the Department of Chemistry will remain open, meaning our six undergraduate degrees and Foundation programme will remain in their own distinct department rather than be transferred into Pharmacy.

Next steps

The agreed refocus of Chemistry will involve a review of staffing within the Department. Aa formal proposal for this will now be developed in consultation with affected staff.

Work will continue to look at potential changes and their impacts. This will be led by an Implementation Group, overseen by Professor Dominik Zaum, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning and Resource).

We will continue to keep staff updated as this work progresses.