Project Information

Stimulating student-led employer-focused activity in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at Loughborough



(The term STEM is used to refer to the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.)

 Aims

The aim of this project are to further enhance the quality of STEM education at Loughborough University through the stimulation of relevant extra-curricular student-led activity, therefore developing the employability skills of future science and engineering employees.

Students will be actively supported and encouraged by academics, senior managers, employers and professional bodies to explore, develop and undertake relevant extra-curricular activities which will enable them to gain additional skills and experience that in turn lead to them becoming the strong, diverse and sustainable engineers and scientists required for the 21st Century.

The project will meet this overall aim through the following objectives:
  1. To establish a group of STEM undergraduates drawn primarily from the STEM departmental student committees. T
  2. To plan discovery visits based on existing proven best practice, including that at Imperial College London.
  3. For the students to be supported in undertaking discovery visits of existing student-led activity.
  4. To document the findings of these discovery visits, in a format accessible to and inspiring for students at Loughborough and elsewhere.
  5. For the Loughborough STEM students to be invited to submit plans of activities to implement at Loughborough.
  6. To assess ideas and fund students to go forward with the most promising plans.

These objectives are designed to explore and develop sustainable mechanisms at Loughborough for the support and encouragement of student-led activity and engagement in life-long learning opportunities which will help provide the STEM graduates needed for future prosperity in the UK.

Project Timetable (student relevant elements)


Date Outcomes, Outputs or Activities  Who
April 2010 onwards Formation of STEM student group  S Bamforth
22nd June 2010, 2-4.30pm  Initial meeting with recruited students, academics, employers, professional bodies to discuss other ideas and discovery visits.
All relevant parties
1st week in October 2010 Student meeting – guide of possible student led activities and invite to discovery visit. Students
S Bamforth
3rd or 4th week in October 2010 Discovery visits, supported by engCETL Students
S Bamforth
End November 2010 Bids for student-led activity submitted
 Students
End November 2010 Second meeting with academics, employers and professional bodies to discuss proposals All relevant parties
End December 2010 Funding for student-led activity awarded
 All – by email
Dec 2010 /Jan 2011 Student-led activity commences Students, supported by named academics