University of the

West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ77-20-0 Title: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING SKILLS Version: 8

Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:

Module type:

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:

Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: Summer 2009

Approved for Delivery by: N/A

Valid from: October 2009 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites:

      NONE

Co-requisites:

      NONE

Entry requirements:

NONE

Excluded combinations:

NONE

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

- appreciate the personal computer as a tool for processing and displaying numerical data;

- use appropriate software (for example powerpoint) to display and communicate scientific information;

- appreciate learning as a process that can in itself be "learnt";

- identify and develop key graduate study skills, such as critical reading & understand the advantages of learning in groups and peer support;

- identify the resources and essential support networks within and outside the University in order to facilitate their research, problem solving and study skills.

Syllabus outline:

This is a skills based module and aims to support and enhance the development of IT skills and generic key learning skills which will enhance the effectiveness students as they embark upon their graduate careers. Specifically, the module will introduce the following:

IT Skills.

Processing raw scientific data drawn from a variety of scientific contexts represented within the Faculty, students will develop generic skills in the use of spreadsheets, excel/minitab and various presentation packages.

Learning Skills.

Within the context of a science communication case study, students will engage with activities relating tto this task: academic reading, literature and information searching, scientific writing, referencing and plagerism, use of appropriate software useful for presentations, presentation skills, time management, providing and receiving constructive feedback from both tutors and peers in a team setting, self evaluation, planning.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module seeks to facilitate the development of skills, and therefore a variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed. The module will be delivered using whole group (for example during research seminars delivered by Faculty experts, and IT skills), small facilitated peer group (for example during the preparation of the scientific communication skills case study where team working will be promoted) and 1:1 type interactions (particularly useful in the delivery of IT skills at PC terminals).

The IT component of the module will be delivered entirely during practical sessions in the University PC laboratories using readily available network software. Students will be given initial support in operating the PC's, loading the appropriate software, and the use of some important commands to operate the software. Within the supported sessions, students are expected to work towards autonomy, working at their own pace through a structured programme of exercises.

Student learning will be supported through the University's E-learning Environment, Blackboard.

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:

    Office "XP" for Dummies, W. Wang (2001), John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

    Skills for Success, S. Cottrell (2003), Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

    The Study Skills Handbook, S. Cottrell (2008) 3rd Ed. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

Assessment:

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (controlled) Element weighting

CW1

IT facilitated presentation

1

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW2

IT laboratory based exercises in which students will be assessed and provided with feedback during the sessions.

1

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

CW1

A written assignment based upon the original topic for presentation

1

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW2

Portfolio of IT based exercises using data which will be provided to the student

1

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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