However, the modularisation of courses will require that careful consideration is given to the frequency of assessment to ensure that students and staff are not overburdened. Overall, the purpose built teaching accommodation is of good quality, generally well equipped, and has a positive impact on the student learning experience. There is good provision for disabled students. Teaching laboratories are well maintained with many working to full capacity. Similarly, the provision of research laboratories will need to be reviewed if the planned increase in research activity is to be properly accommodated.
Specialist equipment is generally satisfactory for present course needs in quality and amount.
However, some key items, including electron microscopes and much of the x-ray equipment, are old and in need of early replacement. Funding for consumable materials and equipment is barely adequate, having fallen by over 14 per cent between 1991 and 1993. Academic management is open and generally effective. Communication is clear and curriculum planning is achieved through a flexible combination of design, strategy and opportunism. It would now be appropriate for the Department to produce its own strategic plan with clear targets reflecting faculty and institutional objectives.