CSC8013 : Professional skills and Portfolio
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Emanuela Torelli
- Lecturer: Dr Stephen Riddle
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The module will introduce the wider industrial context of software development and the skills required in a modern work environment. Students will reflect on the skills they have gained to date and understand the day-to-day roles typically carried out by computer professionals. Content will be informed by guest talks from industry professionals and opportunities to develop skills in a range of employer assessment activities.
The module will also prepare students to undertake a dissertation or research project, and appraise students of relevant research methods for a Masters dissertation.
Outline Of Syllabus
An introduction to the legal, social, ethical and professional aspects of being a software developer. Self-assessment of skills and planning your own professional development.
Presentation of achievements in a professional online portfolio. Undertaking a literature review.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods. Online and offline data gathering methods.
Writing up.
Research as a career.
Guest lectures and workshops.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Lectures in person, |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Lecture recordings, released over 3 weeks |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Background reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Guest seminars held as PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Skills workshops held in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Portfolio c/w |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning.
Skills development workshops and employer talks, delivered synchronously, give further context and real-world examples for reinforcement. Offline recordings will be made available.
This is a practical subject, and it is important that the learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes. Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside timetabled practical classes.
Students aiming for distinction marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 100 | Portfolio and commentary summarising skills gained, self assessment & research into an employer, up to 5 pages |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Preparation of a CV for technical roles |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Self-assessment of skills and knowledge via a portfolio so that students develop the ability to think critically about their own achievements. This is a practical, ongoing activity that is completed throughout the module.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8013's Timetable