Module Identifier RS14410  
Module Title RURAL STUDIES TUTORIAL  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Penri James  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   16 Hours  
  Practical   18 Hours Up to 6 x 3 hour IT workshops as required  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Written and oral presentations Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3   50%  
  Semester Assessment   Skills development portfolio Outcomes assessed: 4, 5   50%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Re-presentation of the element(s) of assessment that resulted in failure of the module    

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to :

1. Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication and working in groups
2. Demonstrate effective study skills, including use of the library
3. Describe the interrelationships between the subject matter within their degree scheme
4. Demonstrate an ability to apply IT to manage text, solve numerical problems and collect and present data.   
5. Identify career development needs and set personal and academic targets

Brief description

This is module is available only to students undertaking an honours degree scheme in the Institute of Rural Studies. It is designed to provide close academic and pastoral support to students during their first year and a framework within which to develop study skills, life skills and careers awareness. In addition it will help students to integrate the subject matter of their degree schemes.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work: the assignments will require students to work independently; a briefing session on use of library facilities will also be a feature.

.2 IT and information handling: students will be required to demonstrate basic ability in these skills in an assessment of competence at the start of the module, those requiring additional support will be required to attend special classes.

.4 Writing in an academic context: this will be an essential aspect of the assignments and the tutorial feedback

.5 Oral discussion and presentation: this will be a feature of the group tutorials

.6 Careers need awareness: the Careers Advisory Service will introduce the Career Development Programme and there will be a requirement to produce a CV as part of the Skills Development Portfolio

.7 Self-management: through learning to meet deadlines for assignments

.8 Group activity: discussion in group tutorials

Reading Lists

Books
Spencer S. (1998) Word processing and document presentation.
Chapman, M. (1986) Plain figures.
Secrett M. (1993) Mastering Spreadsheet Budget and Forecasts - A Practical Guide.
Noble DH & Course C. (1993) Spreadsheets for Agriculture.
Thomas R & Thomas L. (1992) Step by Step Guides - Word for Windows.
Fowler J. (1990) Rural Statistics for Field Biology.
Grauer R. (1999) Brief Microsoft Office 2000 Professsional.
Marni, Ayers, Brady. (1999) Microsoft Office 2000.
Downing, D. (1998) Dictionary of computer and Internet.
Wang, W. (1999) Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows for dummies.
Jennings, R. (1999) Using Microsoft Access 2000.
Morris, S. (1999) Excel 97 for Windows made simple.
McBride, P K. (1999) Internet Explorer 5 made simple.
Neely, M. (1997) The complete beginner's guide to the Internet. 3rd.
Kent, P. (1998) The complete idiot's guide to the Internet: UK edition.