QAA masters MChem

The second draft of the Quality Assurance Agency's (QAA) framework for Higher Education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), which was out for consultation for one month from 9 April, placed the 'integrated masters', MChem, MSci, MPhys and MEng, as level 7 qualifications, confirming that they meet, in full, the qualification descriptors for a masters degree. Moreover, the draft framework takes into consideration the Bologna Declaration and indicates the relationship between the levels of the FHEQ and the 'cycles' in the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (FEHEA). QAA placed the integrated masters as a second-cycle qualification on the corresponding European framework. 

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), in its response to the consultation, welcomed the draft document, and the position of the MChem. The RSC looks forward to the revised framework being implemented and then articulated into the FEHEA. 

A final version of the revised FHEQ is expected to act as self-certification of the qualifications in the Bologna Process.

Online tests for AS chemistry students

The Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) Online Olympiad  and Chemistry check-up  will be available to students again this summer through the RSC website. These online tests are aimed at AS-level chemistry students and each test comprises 40 multiple-choice questions.  

Students reaching the end of their first year of post-16 studies can take part in the Online Olympiad  . The questions are randomly presented, so that any number of students can take the test at the same time. After completing the test, students receive e-mail feedback, explaining any errors to help improve their understanding and learning. Open now, the competition will run until 28 September. Prizes will be awarded to the best performing students, who will be encouraged to enter Round 1 of the 2009 International Chemistry Olympiad competition. 

Students starting their sixthform studies in September will be able to access the Chemistry check-up  from 18 August to 19 October. Developed as a self-assessment tool for students to test their understanding of the main topics in chemistry, teachers might want to use this test as a 'warm-up' activity to start the term, or as a quick check on progress in the early weeks of an AS chemistry course. Students can take the test several times, and there is no time limit on each attempt. Students receive individual feedback via e-mail on their performance, broken down into the main areas of chemistry.  

To access the tests and for login information visit the RSC website.

STEM activities at your fingertips

This September schools and colleges will receive a printed copy of the  STEM directories, a new resource designed to showcase enhancement and enrichment activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Aimed at teachers and lecturers working with students of all ages in schools and colleges across the UK, the printed directories will include details on STEM schemes and activities run by organisations and providers in the UK STEM community. For example, the resource will include details on Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) enhancement and enrichment activities, such as  Chemistry: the next  generation  (CTNG), ChemNet, Chemistry at work, the Top of Bench and Chemistry Olympiad competitions, as well as information on lecturers who will visit schools and colleges to talk on topics in chemistry. A searchable online version of  STEM directories  will be available in 2009 on website.

BA Festival of science visits Liverpool

Liverpool, the 2008 European Capital of Culture, will host this year's British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA) Festival of Science from 6-11 September. Based at the University of Liverpool, the festival's programme will feature hands-on family activities, debates on topical issues and talks on the latest developments in topics such as climate change from scientists and science communicators from the UK and abroad. 

For more information about what's on during the festival week, how to book tickets and ticket prices visit the BA Festival of Science website.

ChemNet reaches out

From September 2008 the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) network for 16-18-year olds, ChemNet, will be offering students face-to-face careers advice. RSC staff will be available to visit schools and colleges to talk to post-16 students about the benefits of joining ChemNet and provide a short talk on careers using chemistry. To book a visit for the autumn term contact Dr Robert Bowles, ChemNet executive at the RSC.