Module overview
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a UK Higher Education environment at the University of Southampton. The module will set out clearly what we expect of you at undergraduate level and equip you with the resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
We will introduce you to the relevant academic conventions, and offer guidance on study skills and strategies which will enhance previously acquired skills and complement the advice given in content modules.
This professional skills set is transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but also in your further education and employment.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Employ key independent learning skills.
- Identify, assess and use appropriate sources.
- Read, take notes and write in an appropriate and consistent academic style.
- Reflect critically upon your academic progress.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- What is expected of an undergraduate.
- Why Academic Integrity (acting with honesty and responsibility in one's own Academic Work) is important.
- The assessment process from planning the piece of work to responding to feedback.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and analytical strategies.
- Analyse, review and take action on feedback independently.
- Efficiently and effectively identify reliable sources appropriate for your discipline.
- Reflect on your individual learning styles and employ methods to aid your own learning.
- Analyse your own work in light of marking criteria.
- Implement strategies for learning such as time-management, organisation, planning and motivation.
- Employ critical researching skills.
- Employ appropriate referencing conventions.
- Identify subject specific sources.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critique published work.
- Make connections between the ways in which you approach your studies and the academic outcomes.
Syllabus
This module will typically cover:
- Introduction to independent learning.
- Learning resources.
- Developing awareness of critical thinking in your seminar skills.
- Researching skills.
- Referencing.
- Using feedback and reflection.
- Active learning.
- Time-management, organisation and motivation.
- Critically assessing resources.
- Essay planning and academic writing.
- Exam strategies.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning activities to include:
- Workshop sessions, which will include elements of lecture, seminar, group meetings and discussion/interactive learning.
- Computing practicals.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 126 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Reinders, H., Moore, N., and Lewis, M. (2008). The International Student Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Pears, R., and Shields, G (2010). Cite Them Right: The Essential Referencing Guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Northedge, A. (2005). The Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes.: Open University.
Lowes, R., Peters, H., and Turner, M. (2004). The International Student’s Guide: Studying English at University. London: Sage.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This is a not an assessed module.