Module Information

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 a crucial part of this module.

The module's lectures cover material to promote the development of students as professionals in their field. A range of personal transferable skills of general value are highlighted 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 Activity Weekend is designed to enhance the student's team working skills and to 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 and team work.
Weekly tutorials in semester 2 encourage students to focus on transferable skills, such as writing, researching and making presentations.

SEMESTER 1
1. Enhancing your University Experience - 1 Lecture
Maximising the benefit of Student Centred Learning.

2. Time Management - 1 Lecture
An analysis of how best to manage time to its maximum advantage.

3. What is the PDP process and why will it help your Employability? - 1 Lecture


ACTIVITY TEAM SKILLS WEEKEND
Team roles; Belbin methodology and self assessment. Interpersonal skills.

4. Managing a group - 1 Lecture
Working effectively as a team and reflecting on weekend

5. Citation - 1 Lecture
Using existing material. Correct and appropriate citation practice. Plagiarism. The Library.

6. Examination Technique - 1 Lecture
Standard rubrics. Use of time, planning. Question styles.

SEMESTER 2

1. Planning a Presentation - 1 Lecture
An introduction to the importance of structure, timing and content of presentations.

2. How to write Good English - 1 Lecture
An introduction to styles and techniques for writing good English.

3. Presentation of documents - 1 Lecture
ad hoc vs. structured. Latex and other document systems

4. Version Control - 1 Lecture
Why is it important? Examples github, svn etc.

5. User Interface Issues - 1 Lecture
User centred design. Schneidermann's rules. Norman's principles

6. Producing a high quality a Curriculum Vitae and Marketing yourself effectively - 1 Lecture
A presentation jointly with the careers service

7. Planning your industrial year and summer placements - 1 Lecture
A presentation jointly with the careers service

8. Planning your University course - 1 Lecture
Advice on next year's modules. Your degree scheme.

9. Other topics - up to 3 lectures