| Module Identifier |
BSM1110 |
| Module Title |
PROFESIONAL SKILLS |
| Academic Year |
2006/2007 |
| Co-ordinator |
Dr Aileen R Smith |
| Semester |
Semester 1 |
| Course delivery |
Other | Contact Hours. 35 hours |
| Assessment |
| Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
|---|
| Semester Assessment | Literature Review & Group Report | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Poster | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Seminar | 20% |
|
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module the student will have gained experience in written, oral and visual communication skills, in addition to information retrieval which will equip the graduate for the workplace.
- Literature review and scientific report
- Oral and visual communication skills (seminar presentations)
- A self assessment team skills profile
Aims
The aim of this module is
- to develop communication skills in a flexible teaching environment
- skills to include: thesis and report writing, presentations, posters, working as a team member
- to raise student awareness of some of the skills (roles and responsibilities of postgraduates and supervisors;=
time management) required for the professional management of a research project and for the effective
commercialisation of scientific ideas.
Content
Various forms of scientific writing will be considered: (I) writing a thesis, (ii) writing a literature review, (iii) writing for targeted publication, (iv) poster presentation. In addition, students will become aware of the salient features in making a good oral presentation including use of audio-visual aids and planning/timing/rehearsing presentations. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in the above through role-playing exercises; this theme being an integral part of the development of team work projects. Attention will also be given to careers awareness, facilities and opportunities.
The module will address issues such as how to manage a research project, including planning the timetable and setting objectives and deadlines, and personal record keeping. This section will also focus on the roles of responsibilities of the student and the supervisor. The module will consider the public perception of science, how this influences scientific commercialisation, and its relationship to scientific ethics including falsification of data and plagiarism and the role of statutory regulatory bodies. A further part of the module will deal with wealth creation aspects of the science component, covering technology transfer, intellectual copyright management, budgeting. Binding commercial and research cultures and provision of the vocational element.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7