Module ECOS1121: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND BASIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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

ECOS1121: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND BASIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Type	Tied	Level	1	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2005/06	Module Cap	None.	Location	Queen's Campus, Stockton

Tied to	N200
Tied to	N420

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

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

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Study and Research Methods and Advanced 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 make students confident, competent and comfortable in using basic and more 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 IT 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 in-course assessment and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

• After completing the 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 note taking to gather information.
• able to communicate effectively in a range of different ways, both written and verbal.
• Evaluate synthesise and present information and theories clearly.
• able to understand and make productive use of: file management software, email software, library databases, world wide web, word processing software, spreadsheet software, bibliographic software and web page production software.
• able to use practical skills in the creation of: word processed documents, spreadsheets, bibliographies and web pages.

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 student's own experience and tie closely with the main degree subject.
• The IT component is skills based learning requiring 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 in-course assessment.
• Creative use of IT will be tested via assignments based on academic study.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Tutorials	IT 18	1 Per Week	2 Hours	36
Seminars	S&RMFF 10	Fortnightly	2 Hours	20
Preparation and Reading				108
Self Study				36
Total				200

Summative Assessment

SRM Continuous Assessment 50% (portfolio of assessment 100%, [resit opportunity: 2000 word essay 100%]).IT Skills 50% (for IT component: one two-hour in-course assessment 40%, one bibliography assignment 20%), one presentation software assignment 10%, one web publishing assignment 30%).

Formative Assessment:

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

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■ 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