Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PERSONAL AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Code PGSC001
Coordinator Dr SM Barlow
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level First Semester 7.5

Aims
  • To develop and acquire a range of personal and inter-personal skills relating to effective self-management and working relationships with others.
  • To develop skills for improved employability.


Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module the student is expected to be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in a variety of contexts.
  • Demonstrate team working skills
  • Understand the role and impact of leadership/negotiation skills
  • Demonstrate improved self-awareness and personal effectiveness.
  • Manage themselves effectively.
  • Demonstrate improved awareness of career management issues.


Syllabus
1-6 

Communication and  Presentation Skills

Effective oral communication, listening and writing; "reading" verbal and non-verbal language; influencing styles.The preparation and delivery of effective and appropriate presentations to various audiences for a variety of purposes. The development and use of a variety of audio-vidual aids and artefacts. The development of skills in using presentation software. Method: Tutor delivery, role-play, individual and group activities.

Team working skills

Analysis of major ideas of team skills development and behaviour. Influence of perceptions on behaviour.Evaluation of theoretical perspectives through casestudies and personal learning log. Identification of own team roles, influences on own and others group behaviour.

Leadership and Negotiation skills

Examination of major ideas on leadership styles. Scenario to trigger responses using a variety of leadership styles.

Individual  and self-assessment skills related to employability

Theories of motivation. Introduction to recruitment and selection techniques used in industry, including psychometric testing. Students will be introduced to a variety of techniques of assessing their own behaviour.   Techniques include self-assessment activities, instruments and learning logs. 

Team-based practical work

Students will work in multidisciplinary teams on a practical problem solving exercise using skills and knowledge gained during the programme, including techniques in managing time and physical and human resources.    In addressing the problems encountered during the exercise members w ill keep an individual learning log which records the use of knowledge and the use and development of skills gained during the programme. Each team will keep a learning log which presents evidence of team activity and an analysis of learning of team members. The reports will form the basis of individual and group presentations which will be assessed in the following areas: communications skills, self management skills, team management skills.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, and self study. There will be emphasis on both individual and group tasks. Tutor delivered material. Use of IT facilities and software. Self-assessment activities, instruments and learning logs.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   18
6 x 3 hour seminar/workshop sessions
        18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Portfolio of assignments and learning log    1  80    Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Assignments based on skills in communication, individual and self-assessment related to employability.  
Presentation    1  20    Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Individual and team-based presentations assessing skills in presentation/communication, self-management and team-management.  

Recommended Texts

Buchanan, D.and Huczynski, A.(2004), Organisational Behaviour: An introductory Text, 5thEdition, Prentice Hall: FT Harlow, Essex, UK.   

Chelsom, J.V., Payne, A.C. and Reavil, L.R.P. (2005), Management for Engineers, Scientists and Technologists, 2nd Edition, JohnWiley & Sons, Chichester, UK. 

Hitt, M.A., Black, J.S. and Porter, L.W. (2005), Management, Pearson Education International