Module Identifier | BS13310 | ||||||||||||||
Module Title | RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS | ||||||||||||||
Academic Year | 2007/2008 | ||||||||||||||
Co-ordinator | Dr Michael K Winson | ||||||||||||||
Semester | Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters) | ||||||||||||||
Other staff | Dr Gareth W Griffith, Dr Iolo Ap Gwynn, Dr Paul Kenton | ||||||||||||||
Course delivery | Lecture | 15 x 1 hour lectures. | |||||||||||||
Seminars / Tutorials | 10 x 1 hour tutorials | ||||||||||||||
Practical | 2 x 1 hour computer workshops | ||||||||||||||
Practical | 4 x 2 hour computer workshops | ||||||||||||||
Assessment |
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1. demonstrate the effective use of information resources and data retrieval and archiving methods
2. evaluate and compare primary and secondary information from different sources
3. evaluate, interpret and analyse data from scientific experiments
4. demonstrate the use of a personal computer for word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation tasks and prepare and present integrated reports using these facilities
5. communicate findings and informed opinions through written and oral presentations
Problem solving | Through the lectures and practicals students will become aware of the necessity to use numerical analysis of scientific data as a key research skill. Lectures, practical classes and workshops will allow students to gain experience in designing and executing experiments, interpreting data and writing-up assessed scientific experiments. | ||
Research skills | Students will research topics beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material using both directed and independent study. Information from a variety of sources will be the object of scrutiny and comment. Practical classes will allow the development of key scientific research skills at an early stage of their academic careers. | ||
Communication | The production of balanced practical reports, essays and oral presentations. Listening skills for the lectures and subsequent discussion in tutorial groups. Effective written communication in examinations. Oral presentation skills. | ||
Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The directed study elements will provide opportunities for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences and identify their needs and barriers to learning. This will be achieved through formative study, such as practice with scientific calculations using the software resources provided, and use of key texts for emphasizing self training in practical and time management skills. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance. | ||
Team work | Students will work in pairs/small groups during practical and tutorial sessions. They will need to discuss their experimental design and work effectively as small teams in completing work for tutorials and practical classes. Essay writing will incorporate peer review and feedback from colleagues. | ||
Information Technology | Accessing the web for information sources and using databases to find primary and secondary literature. Use of software packages required to produce practical reports, essays and manage and format scientific references. | ||
Application of Number | Collection and scrutiny of data in terms of quality and quantity. Data interpretation and processing. | ||
Personal Development and Career planning | Students will gain confidence in their ability to evaluate scientific problems and assess objectively the quality of proposed solutions. | ||
Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to key scientific research skills, such as experimental design and data evaluation will be developed. The importance of applying learned skills to generic problem solving will be emphasised. |
This module is at CQFW Level 4