Abstract:

After finishing their scientific and technical degrees, the professional development of the students is mainly continued towards two different directions. On the one hand, an academic path by performing a PhD, and on the other hand, the direct incorporation into the working world. In both options some experience in the development of scientific and research activities is required. Nevertheless, in general the scientific and technical studies (at least in Spain) do not give enough relevance neither to practical learning nor to the preparation of the students for their integration into their professional careers.

According to this problematic in the year 2000 it was decided to develop an innovative programme for laboratory practicum. This programme was included into the subject “Extension of Solid State Physics (ESSP)”, taught during the last year of the Physics degree in the University of Valladolid. One of the main goals of these laboratory practices was to introduce the students into real Research and Development (R&D) activities. After finishing this subject the students acquire an experience which helps them to decide which way follow (the academic or the industrial one). Moreover, the integration of the students into their professional careers is easier since they are able to develop different new skills (handling of different equipment, interpretation of results, teamwork, oral defence, etc.).

In this communication the implementation and development of these laboratory practices are described, providing some examples of the topics addressed in the practices. Moreover, the effectiveness of this initiative is analysed taking into account the subsequent academic or industrial progress of the students implied in this innovative programme.