Personal Development Modules

Learning Strategies (half-credit modules)

We offer four courses, specifically designed to meet the needs of students across all the main academic disciplines. Many aspects of studying effectively at university are explored and practised in class, such as time management, note-taking, critical analysis, assignment planning, report writing, academic writing style and convention, avoiding plagiarism, referencing and exam techniques. These courses are particularly useful when you are in the early stages of your degree programme. They are designed to help you make the most of your studies, achieve the grades you are capable of, and provide a rewarding experience.

Information Technology (IT) Skills

All students need to acquire basic computer skills to enable them to perform effectively in their chosen subject areas. Two modules are available: module one introduces and develops good skills in the core computer applications essential in the academic world and the employment market; module two builds on existing knowledge, dealing with more advanced topics relevant to web design, organising data, and the world of eCommerce. Specific topics covered in a series of practical workshops include:

• Introduction to the University computers and the Windows environment.
• Using the Internet to:
  • Find and retrieve information from the World Wide Web
  • Send and receive email
• Creating and preparing documents using word processing (MS Word) and image editing tools
• Calculations and data analysis using spreadsheets (MS Excel)
• Creating presentations using MS PowerPoint
• Working with databases (MS Access)
• Designing web pages (MS Word, HTML and CSS)
• Accessibility and usability in web design
• Multimedia

Data Skills

These modules cover three main themes: making sense of statistics, using statistics in solving practical problems, key mathematical skills and an introduction to calculus. These modules are intended to build your confidence in handling numbers and formulae and how to use them, particularly in statistics and solving real-life problems.