There are twenty- eight weeks of normal lectures and two reading weeks. In IT, lectures provide training on a range of uses of IT and your competence will be assessed in terms of using IT. In Study Skills, Lectures will include interactive learning activities such as group discussion, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentation, video etc, web based activities and written formative and summative assessment.

1. A portfolio of up to 4 IT related tasks (eg. production of Word and Powerpoint documents)
Weighted at 50%, to assess LOs 1 - 4

2. A portfolio of up to 3 study skills related tasks (eg. timed essay, presentation)
Weighted at 50%, to assess LOs 5 - 11

This module will run in both semester one and two and will be divided into Information Technology and Study Skills.

During the IT section of the course you will be introduced to Word Processing using Microsoft Word, Spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel and Databases and their uses, using Microsoft Access. You will also learn about integrating various Microsoft programmes such as combining a word processor with a spreadsheet.

In the Study Skills section of this module you will be introduced to all of the skills which will enable you to be an effective student in a Higher Education environment. These include learning Time Management Skills, Secondary Research Techniques ( such as Locating secondary Sources, Note-taking and Academic Reading). You will also learn Essay Writing Techniques, Presentation Skills, Revision Skills and the Skills required to work in a group. Throughout this part of the module, there will be an emphasis on your personal development in terms of Career Planning, Preparation for University and Self-Evaluation.

Cottrell, S (1999) Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave Study Guide, London

Textbooks, journals, resource packs, the intranet.