The module aims to develop the students professional and information technology (IT) skills and to embed the importance of generic and transferrable skills as a foundation for student learning.
Professional Skills: This first semester module reviews the principles and techniques of effective study habits appropriate to the third level environment. In addition, the module will examine a range of transferable/soft skills and how these are applied to the evolving role of the ‘Professional Self’ as well as how these skills are utilised in the academic environment. Topics will include communication skills, self-management, problem solving skills, presentation skills, concepts regarding team development as well as a focus on the principles of writing skills and the development of research skills. This module will review referencing and plagiarism along with the relevance of both to the current academic setting and in the scientific professional settings. Students will also be introduced to the concepts regarding how to construct a logical argument that is based on analysis and evidence.
IT: The module introduces the students to features of word processing and spreadsheets which are particularly applicable to third level education. They will use tools to construct different types of equations in electronic documents. They are introduced to basic spreadsheet tools which are then used as a foundation to introduce more sophisticated features such as absolute and relative references, logical functions and conditional formatting.
Professional Skills: Learning Environment
Transition to third level education. Discovering individual learning styles. Research skills. Essay writing, referencing, plagiarism and project work. Revision techniques, exam preparation and completion for third level.
Professionals Skills: Communication
Importance of communication and elements of effective communication. Presentation skills. Elements of non-verbal communication. Oral communication and developing an effective argument. Written communication including reports, emails, etc.
Professional Skills: Team Development
Production of a common product. Time management, goal planning and project management. Group interaction. Problem-solving skills. Positive interdependence and mutual accountability. Team purpose, the roles in the team and the impact this can have on the group.
IT:
Use of the ‘Equation Editor’ feature of Microsoft Word to produce Scientific equations. Use of basic spreadsheet features in Microsoft Excel, such as, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN. Use of Microsoft Excel charting tools. Use more advanced features in Microsoft Excel, such as, absolute and relative references, logical functions and conditional formatting.
Prof Skills: This module will be taught mainly as an experiential process. This will be achieved through a lecture format, group facilitation, informal discussion as well as through practical exercises and projects completed both as a group and individually.
IT: This module will be taught mainly through practical demonstrations in a computer laboratory.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |