Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module FOUN0617: Further Preparation for Higher Education

Department: Foundation Year

FOUN0617: Further Preparation for Higher Education

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with a grounding in study skills and their supporting technology.
  • To provide students with a background to British academic conventions and expectations.
  • To prepare students for future undergraduate study at a British university.
  • To provide students with a grounding in library and research skills.

Content

  • Use of standard Microsoft packages including MS Powerpoint.
  • Use of DUO and associated tools.
  • Practice of library research tasks. .
  • Study of referencing and citation
  • Study of academic writing process (note-taking, planning, drafting, proofreading).
  • Study of exam techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
  • have a good understanding of the concept of plagiarism and how to avoid it (SK1).
  • have a basic understanding of referencing styles (SK2).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will:
  • be able to use MS Powerpoint appropriately.(SS1).
  • be able to reference a piece of work appropriately (SS2).
  • Be able to construct a bibliography (SS3)
  • Be able to produce written work in an academic style (SS4)
  • Be able to use appropriate skills and strategies to avoid plagiarism (SS5)
  • Be able to use study skills such as note taking and mind mapping (SS6)
  • Be able to use the library to perform simple research tasks (SS7)
  • be able to use online information resources (SS8).
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will:
  • be able to demonstrate good IT skills (KS1).
  • be able to communicate effectively in writing (KS2).
  • be able to demonstrate problem solving skills (KS3).

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

  • Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during seminars.
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through group work, discussions and library assignments during teaching sessions and students' own time.
  • Essay will assess: SK1, SK2, SS2, SS3. SS4, SS5, SS6, SS7, SS8, KS1, KS2, KS3)
  • Presentation will assess: SS1, SS6, SS7, SS8, KS1,
  • Examination will assess: SK1, SK2, SS2, SS4, SS6, SS7, SS8, KS2, KS3

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 20 twice weekly 2 hours 40
Preparation and Reading 60
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 45%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 45% resubmission
Component: Presentation Component Weighting: 15%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Presentation 100% resubmission
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Exam 100% resit

Formative Assessment:

None.


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