2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMP5991M Professional Development & Skills 2

15 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Prof Peter Jimack
Email: p.k.jimack@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

All students will have done an undergraduate degree in Engineering, or Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences or Environmental Science.

COMP5990M Professional Development and Skills 1

Pre-requisites

COMP5990M

Professional Development & Skills 1

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), working in teams and public engagement that underpin successful achievement in a wide range of future careers. Undertaking a visit or visits (up to five days in total) to industrial or non-academic collaborator(s) will be a compulsory element of this module. Technical training will include introductions to OpenFOAM, MATLAB, Machine Learning and Research Software Engineering and continued attendance at research seminars. The options consist of participation in generic skills courses provided by the central training providers (OD&PL, IT,Library), the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences 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 a short industrial visit(s).

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the following:
- 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 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;
- Appreciation of the challenges, differences and similarities of undertaking Fluid Dynamics R&D working in an external (e.g. industrial) environment, as opposed to the University environment.

Skills outcomes
As part of this module the students will have the opportunity to learn a number of transferable skills including the following:
- Managing a PhD and project management;
- Effective written and oral communication;
- Intellectual property;
- Enterprise, knowledge transfer and commercial awareness;
- Research ethics and Responsible Innovation;
Research methods;
Research Software Engineering;
Computational Fluid Dynamics (introduction to OpenFOAM and further ANSYS or OpenFOAM specialisation)
- Develop skills and understanding of industrial or research organisation research methodologies;
- The capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice;
- Short industrial visit(s) within a specific industry relevant to Fluid Dynamics to broaden skill and knowledge set beyond the academic environment.

Syllabus

This module will focus more on supporting the students’ preparation for undertaking research PhD projects, including: a range of technical content; selecting independent online learning based on their individual requirements; finding and managing information for their PhD; further training in research methods, research software engineering, responsible innovation, and; preparation for and participation in a public engagement activity. During the second half of this module students will undertake a short industrial visit(s) to gain experience of, and reflect upon, the cultural differences between undertaking research in a University and R&D in a partner organisation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminars	48	1.00	48.00
Fieldwork	1	35.00	35.00
Group learning	4	1.00	4.00
Independent online learning hours			32.00
Private study hours			31.00
Total Contact hours			87.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Private study is required for follow up study of training seminars and arrangement/follow-up of short industrial visit(s).

The fieldwork will be subject to safety considerations at the time.

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 CDT Programme Leader.

The Professional Development Portfolio will be reviewed, and a reflective log and 1000 word report by the student at the end of the year will be assessed. Should these go ahead, this report will include an appendix (up to 300 words) providing a reflection on the industrial visits(s) and the skills and knowledge generated from it.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Report	50.00
Reflective log	Reflective log + spreadsheet of training attendance. Students may be asked to provide evidence e.g. hard copy certificates.	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 26/09/2023

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