Module Information

Module Identifier
CS18010
Module Title
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
CS12420 or CI12420
Mutually Exclusive
Only available to level 1 students
Mutually Exclusive
CI18010, CC18010, CS18110
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 lectures
Practical
Seminars / Tutorials 10 tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment A1  Course Work: Contributions to tutorials  25%
Semester Assessment A2  Course Work: CV  25%
Semester Assessment In-Course Assessment: Presentations - A3 individual (25%) and A4 group (25%)  50%
Supplementary Exam similar pattern 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module the student should:

  • have a current CV (A2);
  • be able to design and give an individual technical presentation (A3);
  • be able to demonstrate the basic skills of time management (A1);
  • be able to use computer-based spreadsheets and graphics packages to support university study (A1);
  • be able to design and build static web pages (A1);
  • be able to explain the importance of user interface design (A1);
  • be able to work as a member of a team and contribute to a group presentation (A4);
  • be able to critically review their own performance (A1).

Brief description

This module is taken by all first year Computer Science and Software Engineering students; it provides a forum in which all first year students are taught together as a single group.
The module covers material which is not addressed elsewhere in specific modules but which is essential in order to gain a more complete appreciation of the field as a whole.
Personal transferable skills are an important quality of any software engineer and form an important part of this module.

The pastoral and general tutorial system for students on these degree schemes is administered through this module.

Aims

The module covers material to promote the development of students as professionals in their field. A range of personal transferable skills of general value are developed within the context of the software industry. The Careers Service provides students with advice on producing a CV for the purposes of securing a year in employment.
The module provides pastoral and general tutoring together with a forum in which all such students are taught together as a single group.

Content

1. Planning a Presentation - 1 Lecture
An introduction to the importance of structure, timing and content of presentations.

2. Producing a high quality a Curriculum Vitae - 1 Lecture
A presentation by the Careers Department

3. How to write Good English - 2 Lectures
An introduction to styles and techniques for writing good English.

4. Enhancing your University Experience - 1 Lecture
Maximising the benefit of Student Centred Learning.

5. Time Management - 1 Lecture
An analysis of how best to manage time to its maximum advantage.

6. Managing a group - 1 Lecture
How to work effectively as a team.

7. Citation - 1 Lecture
Using existing material. Correct and appropriate citation practice. Plagiarism.

8. User Interface Issues - 1 Lecture
User centred design. Schneidermann's rules. Norman's principles.

9. Examination Technique - 1 Lecture
Standard rubrics. Use of time, planning. Question styles.

10. Tutorials - 10 Weeks
Each student will be required to prepare and deliver presentations and demonstrations on papers from the technical literature and particular aspects of software systems covered in the lectures.

Reading List

Recommended Text
John W. Davies (2001) Communication Skills. A Guide for Engineering and Applied Science students 2nd edition Prentice Hall Primo search Stella Cottrell (2003) The Study Skills Handbook 2 Palgrave Macmillan Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4