1. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL AWARENESS OF PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE THAT GUIDE AND SUPPORT ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH. (AHEP 4: F6)

2. PRODUCE AN ACADEMIC REPORT USING A RANGE OF TAUGHT ACADEMIC RESEARCH TOOLS AND RESOURCES. (AHEP 4: F2, F4, F6)

3. DEMONSTRATE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING SKILLS. (AHEP 4: F4, F6)

4. USE A RANGE OF METHODS OF ENQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, DEVELOP AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE CAREER AND IMPROVE FUTURE EMPLOYABILITY. (AHEP 4: F18)

An assessment of two parts: 60% covering learning outcome 1 & 2 and 40% covering learning outcome 3 & 4.

Career Reflection (40%) – Reflective written report on the individual’s career to date and an action plan for the next 5 years. Learning outcomes 3 & 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes F4, F6 and F18.

Research Essay (60%) – Research Essay on a technical subject related to Engineering. The research essay question will change every semester but be in the general area of Engineering. Learning outcome 1 & 2. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes FF2, F4 and F6.

This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help support your learning as a remote/off-campus student.

There are three aspects to the module:

The first aspect develops your appreciation and understanding of academic research and how this underpins your programme of learning and knowledge development. Typical areas within this include – academic writing, research methodology, scoping and setting a research question, developing aims and objectives, ethics and undertaking an outline literature review.

The second aspect of the module focuses on the applied/practical skills that are necessary to perform effectively as a remote and independent learner. Typical areas within this include - navigating and searching digital libraries, effective methods and tools for academic referencing, concept/mind mapping tools and techniques, collaborative/remote working: principles, practice and how to make the most of the student-tutor relationship.

The third aspect will involve career exploration in the context of their service career and beyond and career management by production of a career action plan.

This module aims to extend your existing skills and knowledge and provide you with the research tools to be able to produce academic papers that are appropriate for your level 6 studies. Live tutorials and other learning methodologies will form the basis of this module, providing you with the confidence and competencies to support your learning. Using the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), you will have the opportunity to discuss your learning with other students and will have online access to your tutor directly to support your off-campus experience.

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently, students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Live tutorials will provide additional support in key areas.

Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts.

Cottrell, S., (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition, Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides, ISBN: 9781137610898

McMillan, K (2012) How to improve your critical thinking and reflective skills, 2nd Edition, Essex: Pearson Education Ltd, ISBN: 9780273773320

Moon, J (2007) Critical Thinking: An Exploration of Theory and Practice, London & New York: Routledge, ISBN 0203944887

Cottrell, S., (2011) Critical Thinking Skills: developing effective analysis and argument, 3rd Edition, Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides, ISBN: 9781137550521

Creme, P. and Lea, M.R., (2008) Writing at University, 3rd Edition, Open University Press, ISBN: 9780335221165

McMillan, K. and Weyers, J., (2007) How to write essays & assignments, Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN: 9780273713579

Blackboard VLE Library facilities
Scopus
Google Scholar
Connected Papers
Office 365