2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CAPE5960M Transferable Skills and Professional Development 2

30 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Professor JM Jones
Email: j.m.jones@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

Minimum 2.1 BSc, BEng/MEng or MSc in a relevant engineering or science discipline

Pre-requisites

CAPE5950M

Transferable Skills and Professional Development 1

Module replaces

PEME5482M Transferable Skills and Professional Development 2

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module will develop a range of generic skills covering core areas of communication skills (written, oral, visual), enterprise, knowledge transfer and commercial awareness, working in teams and public engagement that underpin successful achievement in a wide range of future careers. The options on this module consists of participation in generic skills courses provided by the central training providers (SDDU, ISS, Library), the Faculty of Engineering or outside bodies. The courses chosen must be at an appropriate level and be agreed between the student and his/her supervisors and module leader. The aim of the courses must be to strengthen or develop generic skills.Students will engage in critical self-reflection through personal development planning (PDP).

Objectives

The objective of this module is to aid the student in developing and enhancing their research performance, employability, professionalism and engagement with society. The module will develop a range of generic skills that underpin successful achievement in a wide range of future careers, including skills obtained through working on an industrial placement.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the following:
- understanding of relevant health and safety issues and demonstrate responsible working practices;
- information management skills;
- communication skills (oral, visual and written);
- understanding of relevant ethical and legal issues connected with research;
- application of effective project management through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities;
- understanding and contributing to the success of formal and informal teams;
- develop skills and understanding of industrial or research organisation research methodologies with emphasis on planning and implementing investigations with guidance from academic and organisation placement mentors;
- develop the capacity for independent self learning within the bounds of professional practice;
- generic skills appropriate for PhD level and deemed relevant for the research project and development of the academic career of the student;
- Working in an external (e.g. industrial/overseas) environment.

Skills outcomes
As part of this module the students will have the opportunity to learn a number of transferable skills including the following:
- Health and Safety Certificates;
- Managing a PhD and project management;
- Effective written and oral communication;
- Intellectual property;
- Enterprise, knowledge transfer and commercial awareness;
- Research ethics;
- Develop skills and understanding of industrial or research organisation research methodologies;
- The capacity for independent self learning within the bounds of professional practice;

In addition, a one month placement in industry or a research institute, related or complimentary to Bioenergy. Alternative placements in government departments, overseas laboratory or institute, etc. related or complimentary to Bioenergy may also be considered.

Syllabus

This module will focus more explicitly on supporting the students’ PhD projects, including: finding and managing information for their PhD; further training in research methods and project management, and preparation for and participation in a public engagement activity.

For the bulk of the module students will undertake an industrial placement to gain experience of, and reflect upon, the cultural differences between undertaking research in a University and R&D in a partner company.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	10	8.00	80.00
Placement	25	6.00	150.00
Independent online learning hours			40.00
Private study hours			30.00
Total Contact hours			230.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Private study is required for follow up study of training seminars also work on the reflective log.
Independent online learning as required for the range of transferable skills courses as appropriate.
Arrangement of the placement, contacting possible placement partners, organisation of travel, placement health and safety agreements, preparation and background reading for the placement etc.
Preparing and writing the placement report.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Each student will follow their own tailored Training and Professional Development Plan (TPDP) and compile a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).

Progress will be monitored at formal tutor/supervisory meetings by the student, personal tutor/supervisor and DTC Programme Leader. Monitoring will include the discussion of the transferable skills portfolio, PDP, advice on placement, requirements of the reflective report, placement report and portfolio.

The Professional Development Portfolio will be reviewed, and a 2000 word reflective report by the student at the end of the year will be assessed. The placement report will be assessed.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Report on the placement, typically 4000-5000 words	60.00
Portfolio	Transferable skills training	20.00
Reflective log	2000 words	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The reflective log includes a spreadsheet of training undertaken showing dates, event location, type of event, brief content etc. Examples of portfolio items include hard copies of certificates, conference programmes etc. including a brief summary of the learning outcomes for each event.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 19/07/2018

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