University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJRJ-20-1 Title: Study Skills and Work Based Learning Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: June 2010
Approved for Delivery by: University Centre Yeovil
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
Excluded Combinations:
NONE
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
• fully fulfil their roles as members of the UCY/ UWE learning community by being thoroughly familiar
with the aspirations, expectations, learning formats and regulations associated with being a HE student;
• use a large variety of learning resources to support their studies and assist with problem solving;
• communicate effectively in written and verbal form using a variety of standard formats, such as lab
reports, essays, discussions and formal presentations;
• recognise and monitor progress in their personal development.
Note: The Study Skills LOs encompass those of the UWE level 1 GDP programme
Work Based Learning:
• explain how scientific analytical techniques have been adapted for use within the field of
forensic science to aid criminal investigations;
• plan, manage and produce an extended piece of work with moderate guidance and to a set deadline;
• present a written and oral report that demonstrates clarity, sound reasoning, secure analysis and
justification of the conclusions.
Syllabus Outline:
The module consists of two parts: 1) transition to HE and acquisition of study skills which will lead to 2) use of these skills to study and reflect on forensic science in the work place.
The first part centres on: transition to university, expectations, requirements and support; introduction to study skills and generic graduate skills; proficiency and careers within the relevant occupational sectors; the evaluation of skills and planning of personal development.
Topics may include: academic reading; literature and information searching; scientific writing; referencing & plagiarism; use of appropriate software; presentation skills; time management; project management; understanding and using feedback; formative assessment and feedback from staff and peers; revision techniques and exam preparation; self evaluation and reflection; planning ahead.
In the second part students will utilise the skills acquired in part 1 to carry out extensive research related to forensic science in the work place. Students will visit three different laboratories that perform analytical techniques on unknown samples. Laboratories may not be directly handling forensic evidence but will be using analytical techniques that can be employed to analyse such evidence forensically. Students will observe the analysis in practice, after having received a thorough introduction, both theoretical and hands-on or through simulations, where appropriate, at UCY or UWE. This introduction may be incorporated into appropriate modules, such as Biology for Forensic Science (USSJRF-20-1) or Chemistry for Forensic Science (USSJRG-20-1).
Student are required to present their findings in both written and verbal formats.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
This is section of the module is about skills development, and so a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed. The module will be delivered using a mixture of whole group and small tutorial group sessions. Students will be allocated to a study skills tutorial group where a member of staff will facilitate personal, group and peer assisted learning of key skills. This will ensure delivery of the university wide Graduate Development Programme.
Work Based Learning Component;
There are no taught sessions for this section of the module, however students will be allocated a college-based tutor who provide guidance on what the students needs to achieve in order to meet the learning outcomes.
The college tutor will provide guidance on:
• Selection of an appropriate area for the review.
• Identification and location of information sources for the review.
• Identification of suitable methodologies to research the area chosen.
• Presentation of the findings in the form of written report and an oral presentation.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
Core texts and recommended texts:
Cottrell, S. (2003). Skills for success, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Fanthome, C (2004). Work Placements: A Survival Guide for Students, Palgrave Study Guides,
ISBN 978-1403934345
UWE Careers Service online resources: available to any UWE student or employee at
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/careers/index.shtml, which includes information on skills development,
CV writing, interviews, tests, employment law
Additional Reading:
Students will be encouraged to identify reading relevant to their chosen review. Literature searching skills will be supported by library services. Support for identifying appropriate and relevant sources will be provided the college based tutor.
It is expected that the project's bibliography will reflect the student's range of reading. Guidance will be provided on relevant literature specific to the chosen task.
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 25% B: 75%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
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Second Assessment Opportunity (Resit) further attendance at taught classes
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EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)