Module Information

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.

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.

Weekly tutorials provide the pastoral support for the first semester and give a forum for discussing the technical aspects of material presented in modules.
The Activity Weekend is designed to enhance the student's team working skills and to further develop their interpersonal and communication skills. Through a series of varied tasks held over the weekend, and supported by further project work, students will be exercised in their problem solving abilities.

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 - 21 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.

11. Personal Communications Skills - 1 Weekend

Team roles; Belbin methodology and self assessment. Interpersonal skills - achieved in associated Team Skills weekends.