Module overview
Laboratory Exercises
This part of the coursework module provides:
- An introduction to experimentation, data collection, and error analysis.
- Opportunities to complete formal reports based on laboratory work.
Computer Applications
This part of the coursework module provides:
- An introduction to the digital world in the context of academic study within the UK Higher Education system.
- An introduction to programming in Python.
- An opportunity to work in a group using software development cycles.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Manage your own learning
- Communicate scientific information effectively
- Apply problem solving techniques to familiar and unfamiliar problems
- Record, analyse and evaluate data effectively
- Use IT to support your learning
- Work effectively in a group
- Apply mathematical methods to solve problems
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Computer Applications: Digital literacies and the use of common digital tools
- Good practice in recording and reporting experimental procedure and results
- Laboratory and measurement techniques
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss practical examples where the theoretical concepts developed in the other modules apply
- Computer Applications: Use a computer to solve engineering problems
- Communicate scientific information
Syllabus
The topics covered depend on the Foundation Year pathway in which you are enrolled. Full details of the requirements can be found in the document Required Coursework, available on the Foundation Year Blackboard site.
Laboratory Exercises
- For students not taking a language pathway, topics include Mechanical Science, Electricity and Electronics, and Engineering Principles.
The following only applies to UoSM students only. Students may take a language pathway:
- For students at Language Pathway A, topics include Mechanical Science and Engineering Principles. Additionally, students on this pathway complete an extended language project.
- For students on Language Pathway B, topics include Mechanical Science and Electricity & Electronics. Additionally, students on this pathway complete an extended language project.
- All students complete two formal laboratory reports based on their practical work.
Computer Applications
- All students undertake work on computer applications, covering digital literacies, online tools, and an introduction to programming. A full description of the computer applications coursework is provided in the annex to this module descriptor.
Semester Breakdown
Semester 1
- Introduction to digital tools, Higher Education, and digital literacy.
- Introduction to programming in Python.
Semester 2
- Team project: Developing an e-learning app.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Learning activities include
- Practical sessions
- Writing laboratory reports
- Self-paced study
- Extended writing exercises (language pathways only)
Teaching methods include
- Lectures,
- Tutorials/Workshops
- Laboratories
- Self-paced courses
- Programming exercises
- Individual and Group project work.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 36 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 92 |
| Completion of assessment task | 100 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial | 24 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Laboratory space and equipment. Foundation Year laboratory
Textbooks
Barrass, Chapman & Hall (1996). Scientists must write.
Kircup, Les (1994). Experimental Methods. John Wiley & Sons.
Holzner, S. Teach Yourself Visual Basic.NET in 21 Days, Sams Teach Yourself.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral Policy:
Referred students will be asked to complete a number of assessment tasks, which may include a laboratory examination during the supplementary exam session in August/September, sufficient to demonstrate they have achieved those learning outcomes not met on the first attempt.
Method of repeat year: Internally only.
In order to be able to repeat externally, you must have already attained a pass in this module (at least 60%).
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 20% |
| Choice of laboratory work or language project | 12% |
| Laboratory | 12% |
| Choice of laboratory work or language project | 12% |
| Assignment | 8% |
| Laboratory Report | 12% |
| Laboratory Report | 12% |
| Class Test | 12% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment tasks | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal