Software for referencing (eg Mendeley, Zotero, Refworks), mind mapping (Mind Genius)
Pre-prepared self study materials.
Computer based resources such as the LTSN Mathcentre DVD and web site.
Excel
Statistical Software SPSS

None.

This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES.

Note taking, revision and exam technique. Time management and organisation. Teamwork skills. Research and reading skills, finding appropriate sources, referencing using a bibliographical database. Presentation, report writing, debating skills. Ethics.
Setting personal goals and reflection skills.
Students will meet mathematics and statistics that will support core studies in computing and will include an introduction to a statistical package, SPSS. Statistics topics covered will include graphical representation of data, averages and measures of dispersion, simple probability and the Normal distribution. The mathematical content will include applied algebra, numeracy and number systems.
An introduction to spreadsheets including formatting, absolute and relative addresses, built-in spreadsheet functions and graphs.
Appropriate integration of the Mathematical content with Excel will also be covered.

The Study Skills Handbook (3rd Edition). Cottrell, S. (2008). Palgrave ISBN 9780230573055
New version due in 2013
http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/index.asp
Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. Cottrell, S. (2011). Palgrave ISBN 9780230250185
For background reading only:
Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics, A.Field, 2013, SAGE Publications Ltd, ISBN-13: 978-1446249185

Head Start to AS Maths, R.Parsons, 2002, Co-ordination Group Publications, ISBN-13: 978-1841469935

Microsoft Office Excel 2010 Step by Step, Curtis Frye, 2010, Microsoft, ISBN-13: 978-0735626942

Material will be presented electronically each week via Blackboard. Formative and summative assessments will be used throughout the module to assess learning and feedback will be given when appropriate. Skype will be used when necessary to communicate with students.
As stated above regular tests will assess the level of understanding attained.
Email backup support will also be available.

A portfolio of work which demonstrates development of professional development skills
50% - 3,000 words - Learning Outcome 1

A CLASS TEST weighted at 50%.
A series of four 45 minute class tests covering learning outcomes 2 - 6. This is the final assessment.