Graduate competencies
We have captured the training needs of the UK aerosol science community in nine competencies for graduates of our CDT (shown below), developed via co-creation during a face-to-face workshop with academics and industrial and public-sector partners and a follow-up survey. The competencies were refined following feedback from a focus group of postgraduate researchers. Taken together they describe practitioners with mastery of fundamental aerosol science and its application across traditional disciplinary boundaries and in a range of contexts. Furthermore, they describe practitioners able to act independently, collaboratively, responsibly and ethically, and to reflect upon and direct their continuing development as a member of a diverse and rapidly-changing field.
- Apply theoretical knowledge of aerosol science across a range of problems of a chemical, physical, biological or technological nature.
- Undertake independent design and conduct experiments/models with technical mastery, as well as analyse and interpret data.
- Identify, formulate, critique and solve research problems within their specialised context to advance the understanding of aerosols.
- Develop or adapt advanced methodological approaches to contemporary problems, recognising the complexity and tolerating the ambiguity that arises in real-world systems.
- Synthesise new approaches to meet an identified outcome within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, safety, manufacturing, and/or sustainability.
- Act in congruence with professional and ethical values, and manage ethical dilemmas in formulating scientific solutions.
- Function effectively and confidently in multidisciplinary teams, acting autonomously and taking responsibility for the scientific activity of others.
- Communicate and share research knowledge to both expert and non-expert audiences, and guide the learning of those from outside their discipline.
- Manage personal intellectual development as a self-critical, reflective scientist with the agility to respond to new challenges.

EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science
University of Bristol
School of Chemistry
Cantock’s Close
Bristol, BS8 1TS
aerosol-science@bristol.ac.uk
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