Module Directory

This module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as academic writing, research, academic integrity, and collaborative and reflective practices.

The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with the alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module.

The aims of this module are:

• To develop students’ ability to operate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic settings.


• To develop students’ basic research skills, encouraging a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence.


• To encourage independent learning strategies and develop students’ confidence to make judgments and be evaluative.


• To equip students with appropriate and effective language and study skills applicable to their various disciplines.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Produce academic writing which is well-structured, relevant and clearly reasoned.


2. Communicate ideas, information and arguments with clarity, both orally and in written form, which demonstrates the ability to integrate students’ own ideas with those of others.


3. Deliver effective presentations using an appropriate range of visual aids.


4. Comprehend texts on a range of subjects identifying main points from listening and reading material, and demonstrating critical reading skills to assess the usefulness of the information.


5. Make full use of academic libraries and a range of appropriate electronic media for independent research purposes.


6. Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of academic register and referencing conventions.


7. Develop time management strategies, employ self-directed learning and show an ability to reflect on one’s own goals and progress.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of the module, students will have practised the following transferable skills:

1. The ability to reflect on one's own performance to identify, set and work towards measurable personal, academic and professional objectives.


2. The ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats including small-group discussions and formal presentations.


3. The ability to use a variety of search tools and strategies to investigate effectively new topics of professional or scientific interest.


4. The ability to think independently and critically is developed through classroom discussions and the development of an individual assignment on the student's own choice of topic.

Syllabus

• Identify text types and their relevance/appropriateness


• Develop basic research techniques


• Reading and note-taking skills development


• Writing skills development


• Editing and redrafting skills


• Referencing and how to avoid plagiarism


• Listening skills development


• Listening and note-taking


• Develop further research skills


• Summary writing and working with lecture notes


• Presentation skills including the effective use of visuals


• Graphs and statistical information


• Revision and exam strategies


• The reflective process

Teaching and learning on Foundation Year modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

The module will be delivered through a range of weekly lectures, seminars, and open access support sessions:

• 1 x 1-hour lecture
• 1 x 2-hour seminar