Module overview
This module focuses on practical aspects of research communication skills including oral presentation, scientific report writing, and statistical and demographic consulting.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Produce actual examples of good oral and written communication skills
- Apply critical thinking skills
- Present statistical advice and recommendations verbally and in writing
- Deliver written and oral presentations especially of technical material
- Summarise scientific material and results of research clearly and present them in an appropriate form to a range of audiences
- Apply problem framing and solving skills
- Apply conventions and best practice in written and oral presentation
Syllabus
One component of this module focuses on report writing, organisation of material in a report, presenting and communicating quantitative material, good designs of tables and graphs, referencing, and academic integrity.
A second component of the module teaches you how to communicate scientific material well in oral presentation, and gives you practice and feedback on your presentation skills.
A third component covers statistical/demographic consulting.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be delivered by a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online methods, which may include lectures, workshop activities, and videos. A range of resources will also be provided for further self-directed study. Face-to-face teaching opportunities will be explored depending on circumstances and feasibility.
The module is taught in three components; report writing, oral communication of quantitative material, and statistical/demographic consultancy.
All relevant course materials will be available on the Blackboard site.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 20 |
| Independent Study | 80 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
On-line resources. Includes online tutorials on academic integrity and referencing.
Textbooks
J. Derr (2000). Statistical Consulting: A Guide to Effective Communication. Duxbury Press.
J. E. Miller (2005). The Chicago Guide to Writing about Multivariate Analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
G. Harvey (1998). Writing with Sources: A guide for students.. Indianapolis: Hackett.
R. Hall (2007). Brilliant Presentation.. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall.
S. Goodlad (1990). Speaking Technically. Richmond: Biddles.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
PresentationSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 60% |
| Coursework | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External