Module Identifier RD17410  
Module Title RURAL SCIENCE TUTORIAL HND  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Michael Christie  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Course delivery Lecture   8 x 2 hour lectures/seminars - Semester 1 only. No formal teaching in Semester 2  
  Practical   Up to 6 x 3 hour IT workshops as required (Semester 1)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment WRITTEN AND ORAL PRESENTATION Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  50%
Semester Assessment SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO Outcomes assessed: 4, 5, 6  50%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to resit the element(s) that led to failure of the module  100%

Learning outcomes

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

Outcome 1
Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication and working in groups

Performance criteria
a. Prepare a curriculum vitae (CV)
b. Write a letter of application

Outcome 2
Demonstrate effective study skills, including use of the library
Performance criteria
a. Carry out a literature review
b. Present this review in the form of a project
c. The project to contain an introduction, the review, a summary and a bibliography

Outcome 3
Describe the interrelationships between the subject matter within their diploma scheme
Performance criteria
Recognition of the various components of the scheme, and their relevance to each other.

Outcome 4
Demonstrate an ability to apply IT to manage text, solve numerical problems and collect and present data.
Performance criteria
a.   Submission of word-processed assignments
b.   Submission of spreadsheet material, using formulae for calculations

Outcome 5
Identify career development needs and set personal and academic targets
Performance criteria
a.   Recognition of skills required for successfully obtaining employment
b.   Setting achievable targets and meeting them

Outcome 6
Identify WEP/APL requirements and conditions for approval.
Performance criteria
a.   CV, to include dates of relevant employment and employers' references
b.   Letter of application
c   Meeting deadline for submission of APL evidence

Brief description

This module is available only to students undertaking a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree scheme in the Institute of Rural Sciences. 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 supported by Personal Development Plans. It will also help students to integrate the subject matter of their schemes. In addition it will provide students with the necessary information, background and assistance to secure their work-placements (an integral part of their diploma schemes).

Module Skills

Communication Oral communication will be a feature of group tutorials Written communication will be an essential part of assignments and tutorial feedback.  
Improving own Learning and Performance The assignments will require students to work independently; a briefing session on use of library facilities will also be a feature. Assessed through learning to meet deadlines for assignments.  
Team work Discussion in group tutorials  
Information Technology Students will be required to demonstrate basic ability in these skills in an assessment of competence at the start of the module. Those requiring additonal support will be required to attend special classes.  
Application of Number This will be a feature of the module via use of spreadsheets  
Personal Development and Career planning 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.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
Spencer, S (1998) Word processing and document presentation
** Recommended Consultation
Chapman, M (1986) Plain figures
Fowler, J (1990) Rural statistics for field biology
Jennings, R (1999) Using Microsoft Access 2000
Kent, P (1998) The complete idiot's guide to the Internet: UK edition
Langer, M (1999) Word 2000 for Windows
McBride, P K (1999) Internet Explorer 5 made simple
Neely, M (1997) The complete beginner's guide to the Internet 3rd.
Noble, D H and Course, C (1993) Spreadsheets for Agriculture
Secrett, M (1993) Mastering spreadsheet budget and forecasts - a practical guide
Thomas, R and Thomas L (1992) Step by Step Guides - Word for Windows
Wang, W (1999) Microsoft Office 2000 for Dummies
** Consult For Futher Information
Downing, D (1998) Dictionary of computer and internet
Grauer, R (1999) Brief Microsoft Office 2000 Professional
Marni, Ayers, Brady (1999) Microsoft Office 2000

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4