COMM06058 2019 Essential Skills for Scientists

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to essential skills required by scientists in the 21st century, as well as equip undergraduates with the strategies to cope with the style of learning and enquiry required for success in higher education. A strong emphasis will be placed on the transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. In particular, the module will focus on metacognition and the development of academic writing, communication and interpersonal competencies. The module aims to motivate students to take responsibility for their own learning through self-driven enquiry, provide them with the skills for a lifetime of independent and reflective learning and ultimately better prepare them for employment and the career ladder.

This concise and practical guide takes students step-by-step through the writing process, and covers core aspects of academic writing, from understanding the task and researching the topic through to composing a draft, editing copy and responding to feedback. Chapters feature numerous self-study activities, top tips and opportunities for reflection, alongside examples of good writing from a range of disciplines. By engaging with the text, students will develop confidence, technique and clarity as writers in their discipline, as well as transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. This book will be an invaluable source of guidance for students of all disciplines and levels who are required to write essays, reports, papers or dissertations as part of their studies.

Written by internationally renowned author Stella Cottrell, this is an essential resource for students looking to refine their thinking, reading and writing skills. Stella Cottrells student-centred approach demystifies critical thinking and breaks down a complex subject into manageable chunks. With clear explanations, relevant examples and plenty of exercises throughout, this book helps students to develop their analytical reasoning skills and apply them to a range of tasks including reading, note-making and writing. This text will turn even the most hesitant student into a proficient critical thinker. This is an ideal companion for students of study skills, humanities, social sciences, business and arts programmes, where assessment includes essay and report writing. It is suitable for students of all levels.

This is the ultimate guide to study skills, written by international best-selling author Stella Cottrell. Her tried and tested approach, based on over twenty years experience of working with students, has helped over a million students to achieve their potential. When it comes to studying, there is no one-size fits all approach. This accessible guide shows students how to tailor their learning to their individual needs in order to boost their grades, build their confidence and increase their employability. Fully revised for the fourth edition, it contains everything students need to succeed. This is an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of all disciplines, and is also ideal for postgraduates, mature students and international students. It prepares students for what to expect before, during and after their studies at university.

Following-on from The Study Skills Handbook, this book enables students to think about personal, academic and career goals and to plan a path to success. Rich in activities that develop valuable career skills, this edition has a new chapter on Understanding your Personal Performance, and updated information on job applications.

Standard Written Englishis a clear and concise guide to written English. Using numerous illustrative examples, it explains a form of the English language which is both distinct and common to the whole of the English-speaking world: Standard Written English. It will help your students to write English clearly and effectively. Standard Written Englishincludes a collection of fifty case studies in the practical use of language. The book demonstrates at a glance how to write Newspaper and Journal Articles Autobiography Literary Criticism Technical Reports Business Correspondence Standard Written English will help your students to Understand the elements of English including vocabulary, usage and grammar Recognise and avoid common mistakes Write effective formal English with confidence From the basic elements of the English language to the mechanics of formal writing, this book covers it all. Standard Written English is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to write in clear, plain English.

Introduction : How to use this book -- How to write an introduction -- Writing about methodology -- Writing about results -- Writing the discussion/conclusion -- Writing the abstract.

A practical and insightful book on how understanding one's own and others' emotions that contributes to self-awareness and the ability to build and maintain quality interpersonal relationships.

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Brookes.ac.uk. (2019). Small group teaching index. [online] Available at: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsld/resources/small-group/index.html [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].

Tom, B. and Sandra, S. (2019). Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University | SAGE Companion. [online] Study.sagepub.com. Available at: https://study.sagepub.com/burnsandsinfield4e [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].

Vark-learn.com. (2019). VARK | a guide to learning preferences. [online] Available at: http://vark-learn.com/ [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].

Additional reading and resources will be recommended by the lecturer.

This module will be delivered in small group sizes of a maximum of 16 students.