CH3LP1-Launching a Product 1

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Miss Sarah Needs
Email: s.h.needs@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To give students an understanding of the lifecycle of a product launch, such that they can effectively plan a launch and know the core issues that need to be addressed.

Aims:

To give students and understanding of the lifecycle of a product from idea through development to launch, such that they can effectively plan a launch and know the core issues that need to be addressed.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Design a product to a brief


• Recognise the regulatory constraints


• Recognise the importance of rigorous product testing


• Identify the processes to consider when producing a product


• Be able to critically analyse a product launch and monitor the market

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will cover all the key elements involved in product development, from concept to post-launch marketing, with specific reference to science-derived products but emphasising transferrable skills and concepts.

Key elements to be covered include the following:

1. Designing a product to a brief (formulation, packaging and performance testing)


2. Regulatory – including the difference in regulation around the world, keyfactors to consider and how to search for these key regulation issues


3. Product safety (toxicology and human safety)


4. Microbiological testing and preservation,


5. Product registration and legislation,


6. Marketing,


7. Packaging


8. Production and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)


9. Supply chain


10. Product launch/in market issues

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One hour lecture every two weeks and one two hour seminar every two weeks that includes reviews and discussion sessions to reinforce material delivered through didactic lectures. Where appropriate, external speakers will deliver lectures.

One 5h presentation session towards end of term comprising teams presenting their product development plans.

Research tasks and presentation exercises both team-based and individual to develop active skills alongside k nowledge, with outputs contributing to portfolio. Group work will include peer-learning to practice presentation skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		5
Seminars		10
Practicals classes and workshops		5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		10
Preparation for presentations		15
Group study tasks		15
Essay preparation		20
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will prepare a series of presentations and written reports, complete a set of independent study exercises and gather feedback on presentations to support reflective statements- these tasks will cover the full set of topics and will be set by staff involved – including where appropriate external contributers. Students will prepare a full portfolio of the above work and reflective statements/feedback, which will be submitted as coursework to assess the full module.

Wherever possible, assessment will be aligned with simulated workplace tasks- e.g. technical reports suited to particular stages of product development, to ensure that assessment is authentic and aligned with industrial expectations.

Formative assessment methods:

During biweekly workshops students will present to peers and staff their findings about case studies and report back on specific topics. A combination of team work and individual tasks will be developed through the term. At the end of the term, all these elements will be brought together for a full product development “pitch fest” where teams will present their full product programmes. For each of these presentations, formative feedback will be provided from peers and this will support portfolio development.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The student shall normally be required to achieve an overall weighted average of at least 40% for the module.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be held in August and will be by resit portfolio worth 100%.



Final year students are not eligible to resit this module unless they have failed their degree programme overall.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 15 January 2024