Quality Assurance (QA) - DSC
The Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania adopts a Quality Assurance (QA) management system based on a continuous improvement cycle, structured around four main processes: planning, management, self-assessment, and improvement. This approach ensures that all educational, research, and service activities are oriented towards excellence, meeting the needs of students, academic staff, and external institutions.
- The Departmental Committee for Quality Assurance (CAQ)
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In an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, the Commitee for Quality Assurance (CAQ) of the Department of Chemical Sciences is dedicated to identifying strengths and areas of improvement, proposing concrete actions for continuous enhancement, promoting the active participation of all members of the departmental community (students, faculty, researchers, technical-administrative staff), and plays a strategic role in ensuring academic excellence through the evaluation and analysis of the Department's key areas of activity: Teaching, Research, and Third Mission.
- Quality of Teaching
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The Department of Chemical Sciences is committed to providing high-quality education that meets the expectations of students, families, and the labor market. The quality of teaching is ensured through a continuous improvement cycle that involves the design, organization, and evaluation of study programs.
- Continuous Improvement Cycle of the Study Program
Planning: Defining educational objectives and learning outcomes for each program, aligned with the professional needs of the sector and the university's guidelines.
Managing: Organizing educational activities and resources to ensure the proper delivery of the courses.
Evaluating: Monitoring results through feedback, analysis of student performance, and internal evaluations.
Improving: Identifying areas for improvement with corrective actions aimed at optimizing the educational offer.
The Department follows the quality cycle defined in the SUA-CdS (Single Annual Study Program Document) reference frameworks, which includes course design, management of educational resources, and evaluation of results. Relevant documents for teaching quality include: SUA-CdS - Programming and Monitoring of Educational Activities, Paritetic Commission - Analysis of Results and Improvements
- Quality of Research and Third Mission
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Our approach to research quality is grounded in key principles such as transparency, information sharing, and results verification. The University Quality Assurance Office supports the Department in defining specific improvement objectives aligned with the goals of the University Strategic Plan, encouraging self-assessment and continuously monitoring progress.
Departmental Annual Research Report (SUA-RD): Each year, the Department evaluates its research outcomes through the SUA-RD, which collects both qualitative and quantitative data related to departmental objectives, quality policies, and Third Mission initiatives. The SUA-RD is also essential for periodic evaluation and accreditation by ANVUR.
Continuous Improvement Cycle of the SUA-RD: Planning: Defining research objectives and Third Mission strategies consistent with the University Strategic Plan. Managing: Organizing departmental resources and research groups through a structured quality management system. Evaluating: Analyzing results through self-assessment and verifying progress toward objectives. Improving: Identifying improvement areas based on the outcome analysis and developing corrective actions.
Key documents for monitoring research quality include: SUA-RD 2023 – Review and Quality Policies; SUA-RD 2022–2027 – Objectives and Planning
