The European quality labels in chemical sciences: applying the Tuning Methodology in quality assurance

  • Evangelia A. Varella Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe-1(2)-2014pp369-385
Keywords: European Chemistry Thematic Network, chemical sciences, Budapest descriptors, quality assurance, European quality labels, short cycle

Abstract

The European Chemistry Thematic Network is a non-profit making association focused on enhancing the quality and harmonising the features of chemical education and training all over the European Higher Education Area. In the context of quality assurance, it developed European Quality Labels in Chemical Sciences, which were initiated in the frame of the Tuning project, and are following the Tuning methodology. The Labels are awarded to programmes on chemistry or related disciplines, as well as to studies at the interface of chemistry and other subjects. They are based on the Budapest Cycle Level Descriptors, a detailed adaptation of the Dublin Descriptors for the field of chemical sciences. The following aspects are considered in awarding Eurobachelor® and Euromaster® Labels: learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, abilities and skills; modularisation of courses and contents; ECTS credit distribution and student workload; mobility; methods of teaching and learning; assessment; quality assurance. For the Chemistry Doctorate Eurolabel® the considerations are somehow different and include: fitness for purpose; entry to the programme; length of studies; study programme structure; teaching and training in generic competences; transcripts; graduate schools; supervision; examinations; assessment; and quality assurance. The Chemistry Short Cycle Eurolabel® refers to study programmes, which are placed at Level 5 in the in the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning, and are also seen as an intermediate level within or linked to the first cycle of the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area. Aspects considered are analogous to those mentioned for the Eurobachelor® Label.

Published online: 4 July 2014

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Author Biography

Evangelia A. Varella, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Evangelia A. Varella is professor at the Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece). She has university degrees in chemistry, pharmacy and theology, and is a doctor in natural sciences and a doctor in history. She has been/is co-ordinating approximately twenty national and European projects on her two main areas of research, conservation science and science education. She has been member of the Tuning project and operates a Tuning information point. She is former president of the European Chemistry Thematic Network; executive secretary of the Euro Label Committee, vice-president of the European Alliance for Subject-Specific and Professional Accreditation and Quality Assurance.

References

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Published
2014-07-04
How to Cite
Varella, Evangelia A. 2014. “The European Quality Labels in Chemical Sciences: Applying the Tuning Methodology in Quality Assurance”. Tuning Journal for Higher Education 1 (2), 369-85. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe-1(2)-2014pp369-385.
Issue
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2014): Competence-based learning: a global perspective
Section
Articles

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