Module ECOS1111: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Department: ECONOMICS FINANCE AND BUSINESS (BUSINESS FINANCE) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS1111: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Meeting the required standard in the streaming examination.

Corequisites

• All compulsory Level 1 modules in the degree for which this module is compulsory..

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Study and Research Methods and Basic Info Tech for Finance.

Aims

• To develop strategies for the acquisition and communication of knowledge, understanding and analysis specific to finance.
• to develop interpersonal skills for use in both student life and subsequent employment.
• to build on existing IT skills to make students confident, competent and comfortable in using advanced information technology in the context of academic and workplace environments.

Content

• Semester I work in Study Skills/Study & Research Methods provides a background in academic work necessary to study the relevant degree at undergraduate level, including written and verbal communication, information research, teamwork and reflection on own learning.
• In Semester II, the emphasis changes to provide a background in research methods relevant to the main degree subject.
• This module provides more advanced technology skills, which are of use for academic study and a future workplace environment.
• Each session consists of practical demonstrations with supporting teaching materials that reinforce and expand the topics covered in the sessions.
• Assessment is by assignments and in-course assessment.

Learning Outcomes

• After completing this module, students should be: able to demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy.
• experienced in the skills needed to work with others successfully and understand the links between theories of team dynamics and actual practice.
• able to utilise the core skills of organisation and planning with special reference to study and research, both as individuals and as members of a team.
• able to utilise effective methods of researching, use manual, IT and library searches for source material, reading techniques and effective not taking to gather information.
• able to communicate effectively in a range of different ways, both written and verbal, evaluating, synthesising and presenting information and theories clearly.
• able to use practical skills in the creation of: bibliographies, software presentations.
• web pages and computer aided learning packages.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The Study and Research Methods component provides theory, advice and practical experience in study, research and personal development.
• This is managed through seminar sessions, small group work and reflection on own learning and interactions with others.
• Formative and summative assignments draw on the students' own experience and tie in closely with the main degree subject. Advanced IT is skills based learning requiring initially, step by step explanation and instruction.
• This approach is adopted in lab sessions through the use of detailed booklets and practical demonstrations.
• Skills assessment will be through formative exercises and summative assignments.
• Creative use of IT will be tested for through in-course assessment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Various study and research tasks throughout the year. There will be a voluntary "streaming" assessment early in the course.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University