Module Descriptors
TECHNICAL AND STUDY SKILLS FOR ENGINEERS
MECH70649
Key Facts
School of Digital, Technologies and Arts
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Cheshire
Email: D.G.Cheshire@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 102
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Must be enrolled on a FCET MSc Engineering programme.
Module Resources
PC with Microsoft Office
Turnitin
Blackboard VLE
Access to the Internet
Library
Laboratory equipment appropriate to your award
Technical software appropriate to your award
Turnitin
Blackboard VLE
Access to the Internet
Library
Laboratory equipment appropriate to your award
Technical software appropriate to your award
Module Indicative Content
International Student Awareness
Familiarisation of International Students with the UK academic systems. Access to support mechanisms including Visa and Work regulations. The balance between Academic Study and part-time work. Opportunity for UK students to become aware of other cultures and the implications for example when undertaking group work.
The Learning Culture
Teaching vs Learning. Familiarisation with VLE particularly Blackboard. Professional issues including health and safety, standards, ethical and social issues, professional bodies.
Introduction to Plagiarism
What is plagiarism? How to avoid accusations of plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism. The importance of correct referencing in reports. Examples of locating plagiarism using Turnitin.
Language
Assessment of listening and speaking technical English. Development of a plan of action for remediation. Presentation skills including PowerPoint. Report writing skills. Effective use of Word for report writing.
Mathematics Skills
Calculus revision
Differentiation - product, quotient and chain rule
Integration - by parts
Partial differentiation - first and second derivatives
Differential equations - first and second order; general and particular solution
Algebra revision
Matrices - addition, multiplication, inverse; solving linear equations by inverse methods
Complex numbers - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; rectangular, polar and exponential form; De Moivre's theorem
Data Analysis revision
Types of data. Summary statistics - mean, standard deviation
Use of tables and charts to summarise data
Ideas around Correlation and Regression and Statistical Significance
Use of statistics packages to analyse data
Laboratory Skills
Specific health and safety issue. Planning laboratory work. Recording results. Analysing data including using Excel. Writing up your work.
Software Skills
Learning a piece of technical software appropriate to the course.
Familiarisation of International Students with the UK academic systems. Access to support mechanisms including Visa and Work regulations. The balance between Academic Study and part-time work. Opportunity for UK students to become aware of other cultures and the implications for example when undertaking group work.
The Learning Culture
Teaching vs Learning. Familiarisation with VLE particularly Blackboard. Professional issues including health and safety, standards, ethical and social issues, professional bodies.
Introduction to Plagiarism
What is plagiarism? How to avoid accusations of plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism. The importance of correct referencing in reports. Examples of locating plagiarism using Turnitin.
Language
Assessment of listening and speaking technical English. Development of a plan of action for remediation. Presentation skills including PowerPoint. Report writing skills. Effective use of Word for report writing.
Mathematics Skills
Calculus revision
Differentiation - product, quotient and chain rule
Integration - by parts
Partial differentiation - first and second derivatives
Differential equations - first and second order; general and particular solution
Algebra revision
Matrices - addition, multiplication, inverse; solving linear equations by inverse methods
Complex numbers - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; rectangular, polar and exponential form; De Moivre's theorem
Data Analysis revision
Types of data. Summary statistics - mean, standard deviation
Use of tables and charts to summarise data
Ideas around Correlation and Regression and Statistical Significance
Use of statistics packages to analyse data
Laboratory Skills
Specific health and safety issue. Planning laboratory work. Recording results. Analysing data including using Excel. Writing up your work.
Software Skills
Learning a piece of technical software appropriate to the course.
Module Texts
Cottrell, Stella (2003), Skills for Success, Palgrave MacMillan, ISBN: 1-4039-1132-0
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% coursework including 5 deliverables each equally weighted (Learning Outcomes 1-4):-
- A 500 word technical report including full referencing and demonstrating effective use of Microsoft Word
- A group presentation (with an individual element) on a designated technical topic appropriate to your award (5-10 minutes)
- In class VLE based test to assess mathematical skills
- An individual laboratory report based on a lab work appropriate to your award
- Demonstrate competency in technical software appropriate to your award.
- A 500 word technical report including full referencing and demonstrating effective use of Microsoft Word
- A group presentation (with an individual element) on a designated technical topic appropriate to your award (5-10 minutes)
- In class VLE based test to assess mathematical skills
- An individual laboratory report based on a lab work appropriate to your award
- Demonstrate competency in technical software appropriate to your award.
Module Learning Strategies
A range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed, including lectures, guest speakers, group work, role-play, independent supported learning and collaborative work. A student-centred approach will be adopted including, involving an independent supported learning environment.