Communication Skills module (GA21007)
Develop skills in research, report writing, referencing, and poster presentation. You will investigate an engineering related topic. This includes the study of historical engineering failures
This module develops the research and communication skills essential for professional engineering practice.
You will focus on an engineering-related research topic, gather and evaluate relevant information, and communicate your findings through both written and visual formats.
The module covers research skills, report writing, using Microsoft Word, academic referencing, editing and proofreading, and poster presentation techniques.
A key element involves identifying and understanding real engineering failures from history, examining the lessons learned and their significance for design and manufacturing engineering.
Teaching uses lectures with built-in activities and discussions, supported by materials on MyDundee, with dedicated class time for researching your topic and developing your poster. Assessment consists of an investigative report (70%) and a poster presentation (30%).
This module is delivered as part of a Graduate Apprenticeship, with teaching taking place one day a week on Dundee's City Campus.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Identify and understand real engineering failures from history and discuss the lessons learned.
- Investigate and discuss engineering topics with importance to design and manufacturing engineering.
- Identify and use appropriate communication approaches at a professional and academic level.
- Develop and demonstrate resilience and passion when engaging with engineering-specific research.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify and understand real-time engineering failures from history and discuss the lessons learnt.
- Investigate and discuss engineering-related topics with importance to design and manufacturing engineering.
- Maintain resilience and passion for an engineering-specific research topic.
- Identify and use appropriate communication approaches at a professional and academic level.
Assignments / assessments
Investigative Report — 70%
- A written report presenting the findings of research into an engineering-related topic, demonstrating academic writing, referencing and analytical skills.
Poster Presentation — 30%
- A poster summarising the research topic and findings, presented to staff and peers.
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Lectures with built-in activities and discussions
- Facilitated class sessions for topic research and poster development
- Supporting materials via My Dundee