Overview

This module focuses on appropriate means of communication in academic study and provides the foundation in computing and IT skills you need to enable you to succeed in your undergraduate studies. It will familiarise you with the conventions of spoken and written academic discourse, and help you learn how to avoid plagiarism and other examples of poor academic practice.

Microsoft Word: writing essays in an appropriate academic format.

Microsoft PowerPoint: using different functions of MS PowerPoint for creating academic presentations with appropriately formal design.

Microsoft Excel: basic skills such as entering data, using simple formulas and creating charts.

Communication tools: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, One Drive, Blackboard, printing with Papercut, etc.

Dangerous communication: spam and phishing and how to spot them.

Professional communication: etiquette in academic contexts such as emails, meetings and classrooms.

Academic misconduct: the importance of avoiding plagiarism, and appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence for academic purposes.

Research skills: using valid academic websites including Bangor University Library online resources; academic referencing conventions.

Other important resources: My Bangor, Bangor University website, Bangor University library.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+) Can use Microsoft Office software and digital tools in a limited way to complete academic study tasks. An adequate level of technical skill is demonstrated. Has a basic understanding of appropriate communication in academic contexts but does not always communicate effectively. Can use in-text citations and references in written work but there are still some major errors.

Satisfactory (50 – 59% / C- to C+) Can use Microsoft Office software and digital tools effectively to complete academic study tasks. A good level of technical skill is demonstrated. Has a good understanding of appropriate communication in academic contexts and can communicate but with some inappropriacies. Can use in-text citations and references in written work but with some errors.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+) Can use Microsoft Office software and digital tools effectively and efficiently to complete academic study tasks. A very good level of technical skill is demonstrated. Has a very good understanding of appropriate communication in academic contexts and any errors in appropriacy are minor. Can use in-text citations and references in written work with only a few errors.

Excellent (70% -100% / A- to A*): Can use Microsoft Office software and digital tools proficiently and innovatively to complete academic study tasks. A high level of technical skill is demonstrated. Has an excellent understanding of appropriate communication in academic contexts and can tailor how they communicate for the audience or setting. Can use in-text citations and references in written work and errors are rare.

Learning Outcomes

• Effectively use the internet, library catalogue and digital tools for academic research.

• Understand and be able to use appropriate communication in different academic contexts.

• Understand the importance of referencing, and be able to construct a reference list and use in-text citations.

• Use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel to complete tasks relevant to academic study.