Module ECOS1111: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS1111: STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• SRM: to develop strategies for the acquisition and communication of knowledge, understanding and analysis specific to the degree subject; to develop interpersonal skills for use in both student life and subsequent employment.
• IT: 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

• SRM: Term one 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 term two, the emphasis changes to provide a background in research methods relevant to the main degree subject.
• IT: This component provides information 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.

Learning Outcomes

• After completing the SRM component, 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.
• After completing the IT component, students should be able to use practical skills in the creation of: core IT skills; word processing; spreadsheets; bibliographies, software presentations; web pages and databases.

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.
• The IT component enables skills based learning through lab sessions, practical demonstration and the use of detailed workbooks. Formative and summative assessments test the students' knowledge, understanding and application of IT.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Various tasks throughout the year.

■ 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