University General Option Directory 2005-06 Web viewUniversity General Option Directory 2012-13. General Options. What are they? The majority of undergraduate awards at the University

University General Option Directory 2012-13

General Options

What are they?

The majority of undergraduate awards at the University include an opportunity for students to take modules which are not directly related to the main subject(s) of their award – these are general options.

What contribution do they make to my award?

Within the Undergraduate Modular Framework, General Options carry general credit. General Credit contributes to the overall total credits needed for your award and, if Level 5 or 6 general credit modules are studied as part of an honours degree, counts towards the calculation of your base classification. However, if you degree results are such that the Award Board has discretion to raise your classification, your performance in general credits will not directly influence the decision.

What kinds of modules are available?

Some general option modules are available to students on all undergraduate awards (except where their content overlaps with core or specific option modules). These are the modules included within this Directory. These University-wide modules enable you to broaden your skills in, for example, IT, or allow you to study a subject which would raise your awareness and knowledge of, for example, environmental issues or law. You can also take modules in academic-related skills such as academic writing or presentation, and a Careers module or a Volunteering module will assist you in developing the skills needed for employment.

In addition, the academic staff responsible for your award may have designated some modules as general options for your particular award. These will be modules in a subject area which is related in some way to the main subject(s) of your award, but not sufficiently closely to be included as a compulsory part of it.

At what levels are the modules available?

There are General Option modules available at Levels 4, 5 and 6. Because these modules carry general credit and do not contribute to the minimum number of subject-related credits your award requires, you can take modules at any level during any year of your award, as long as you have any necessary prior knowledge or experience. Some of the modules are part of ‘programmes’ which include modules at different levels, allowing you to progress within the subject.

For example, if you reach the final year of your degree and think that learning some basic business law would be useful, you could choose to take Legal Environment of Business, which is a Level 4 module. This module would not contribute to the classification of your degree because it is at Level 4.

Alternatively, in your first year you may decide that taking an IT-related module is a good idea and choose a Level 4 module. In this case you could carry on taking modules from the University IT Programme during the second and third years of your degree by including Level 5 and 6 modules. These level 5 and 6 modules would contribute towards the calculation of your base degree classification, but not towards any decisions on possible raising of classification.

General Option Directory 2012-1315/3/12

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However, you could also stop after the Level 4 module and choose a different type of module for your second year – the choice is yours.

What if I don’t want to take any of these modules?

There is a considerable amount of flexibility in how you can use your general option choices. However, if you do not wish to take any of the University-wide general options or those designated for your award, you can instead take additional credits from your award’s specific options. You need to be sure that, overall, you are studying the correct number of credits at each award level.

If you do take additional specific options, these will count as specific credit and will, in the case of Level 5 and 6 modules, contribute to the calculation of your base degree classification and, where appropriate, will also be taken into account by the Award Board when deciding whether to use its discretion to raise your classification.

University-wide General Options are available in the following subject areas:

Management Information Technology Forensic Science Law Exercise & Health Volunteering Benefits, Debt and Housing Advice Study Skills

Attached is a full listing of the modules which are available to all students as general options (with any exceptions noted). Where these form part of a ‘programme’, the progression between the various stages is described. Remember, you can choose general option modules at any level as long as you meet any prior knowledge or experience requirements.

Please note that this listing may be subject to change and that some timetabling information has not yet been confirmed.


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University Management Programme (UMP)NB the modules within this programme are also included within the specific options of some Business-related awards. If you are on such an award you can only take modules from the list below as specific credit modules.

This programme focuses on ‘Enterprise’ and includes three modules.

Module title Level and number of credits

Sites available Admissions requirements

Brief content Assessment methods Timetable (teaching block & time)

The EntrepreneurBLB10002-5

Level 515 credits

Stafford (time-tabled delivery)

The module aims to review the theoretical debate on the nature and role of the entrepreneur. It analyses and evaluates the literature and factual information on the nature, personality, traits and characteristics of the entrepreneur with special reference to lone mavericks and team players. The module looks at demonstrating an understanding of the changing environmental factors with reference to the impact on the entrepreneurial culture.

One case study assignment (2000 words max)

Individual diary of development issues

Teaching block 1

Strategic EntrepreneurshipBLB10006-6

Level 615 credits

Stafford (time-tabled delivery)

This module focuses on the growth and development phase of entrepreneurial businesses. With an emphasis on strategy, sustaining competitiveness and selecting appropriate financial support.

Individual assignment (2500 words)

Teaching block 2


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University IT Programme (UITP)NB the modules within this programme are also included within the core or specific options of some awards. If you are on such an award you can only take modules from the list below as specific credit modules. If you are on a Stafford-based computing award, you cannot take modules listed in the UITP unless they are also listed as an award option or computing option for your award. If in doubt, please check with your award administrator.

This programme includes six different routes, with modules at various levels. Please contact the Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Technology for further details of the modules and timetabling.


Sites available

Admissions requirements/pre-requisites


Applications RouteRelational Database Systems Development CE52700-5

Level 515 credits

Stoke Computer Essentials for the European Computer Driving Licence, or equivalent, or basic knowledge of Access

You will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to design relational data models, and manipulate these using related technologies including: SQL/queries, Forms, Reports and Macros.

50% Group Assignment 50% Examination

Teaching Block 1Tuesday 2-5

Electronic Commerce RoutePublishing for the World Wide WebCE51200-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module will introduce you to the internet, relevant applications, tools and concepts and give you the technical ability to build well designed web sites.

30% Examination70% Assignment to develop a web site

Teaching Block 1TBA

E-CommerceCE52302-5

Level 5 Stoke15 credits

Publishing for the WWW or equivalent

The module will make you aware of the broad range of E-Commerce business issues and give you to the practical skills to develop an E-Commerce application using the latest E-Commerce enabling software.

50% Examination50% Assignment

Teaching Block 1TBA

Information Systems RouteBusiness Information Systems in OrganisationsCE51800-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module will give you the background knowledge you need to enable you to look at the

50% coursework50% examination

Teaching Block 2 TBA


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overall business as a system and build computer based solutions.

Information Systems, Organisation & ManagementCE52801-5

Level 515 credits

Stoke Business Information Systems in Organisations

You will study how Information Systems support the strategy and structure of organisations, how management plan to protect the IS resource and maintain its operation, contemporary applications of IS and how to fit them into business strategy.

100% examination Teaching Block 2TBA

Information Systems Strategy CE53802-6

Level 615 credits

Stoke Information Systems, Organisation & Management

Provides a basic overview of how to develop an IS strategy. Covers: basic business strategy development, Earl's 'three pronged approach' and 'risk- reward portfolio' analysis techniques for deriving an IS strategy, and basic IS implementation strategies.

100% examination Teaching Block 2TBA

Multimedia RouteIntroduction to MultimediaCE51300-4

15 creditsLevel 4

Stoke None This module will enable you to prepare interactive multimedia presentations that involve the use of sound and video, as well as text and graphics.

30% Examination70% Assignment to develop an interactive multimedia system.

Teaching Block 2TBA

Developing Interactive MultimediaCE52301-5

15 creditsLevel 5

Stoke Introduction to Multimedia or equivalent

Building on the level 4 module, this module looks at multimedia applications and at the tools required to support and develop them. It provides a technical framework and design guidelines for the development of practical interactive multimedia information systems.

50% Examination50% Coursework - Development of an interactive multimedia application

Teaching Block 1TBA

Advanced Multimedia Systems

15 creditsLevel 6

Stoke Developing Interactive Multimedia or equivalent

This module explores the storage and retrieval of multimedia

50% Examination50% Coursework

Teaching Block 1TBA


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CE53304-6 objects using current database technologies, techniques and tools for developing and interacting with multimedia interfaces and considers the role and application areas for multimedia, both on and off-line.

Quantitative Techniques RouteElementary Quantitative MethodsCE61005-4

15 credits Level 4

Stoke Grade C or less in GCSE Maths or equivalent

This is a refresher course in basic mathematics to develop skills you can use to solve simple problems in a variety of environments including business, computing, science and engineering.

70% Staged class tests30% Assignment

Teaching Block 2STOKE - TBA

Questionnaire & Data AnalysisCE62024-5

15 creditsLevel 5

StokeStafford

Some basic statistics knowledge. Barred combination with CE63024-6

You will learn how to design and administer a questionnaire, process the data using a statistical package (SPSS) and write a report which makes inferences from the data.

100% coursework – a project involving a small scale survey on a topic of your choice resulting in an analysis and report.

Teaching Block 1STAFFORD - TBA

Teaching Block 2STOKE - TBA

Financial Modelling with Decision MakingCE63031-6

15 creditsLevel 6

Stafford Any basic maths & stats knowledge

Learn how the financial market works and how City ‘whizz-kids’ make their money! You will buy and sell shares (virtually) to see if you have what it takes to be an ‘ace investor’.

50% Assignment – creation and management of a virtual portfolio of shares50% Examination

Teaching Block 2STAFFORD – TBA

Survey Design & AnalysisCE63024-6

15 credits Level 6

StokeStafford

Some basic statistics knowledge. Barred combination with CE62024-5

You will learn how to design and administer a questionnaire, process the data using a statistical package (SPSS) and write a report which makes inferences from the data.

100% coursework – a project involving a small scale survey on a topic of your choice resulting in an analysis and report.

Teaching Block 1 STAFFORD – TBA

Spreadsheets RouteSpreadsheet Modelling TechniquesCE62025-5

15 credits Level 5

StokeStafford

Some basic EXCEL knowledge

You will extend your knowledge of spreadsheets to aid modelling and analysis of quantitative

Two Practical lab-based tests, 50% each

Teaching Block 2STOKE – TBA


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scenarios such as financial problems. Amongst other things, you will learn to customise interfaces to aid user friendliness and to use VBA to automate processes.

STAFFORD – TBA

Spreadsheet Automation with VBACE63025-6

15 creditsLevel 6

Stoke Some basic EXCEL knowledge

You will learn to use VBA, (Visual Basic for Applications), to automate spreadsheet applications and create customised user interfaces.

30% Assignment70% In class Test

Teaching Block 1STOKE – TBA

Forensic Computing RouteIntroduction to Forensic Tools and TechniquesCE00868-4

Level 415 Credits

Stafford None The investigator must seek evidence that has been hidden or obscured with digital storage devices such as personal computers or shared network drives. To complete this task efficiently the investigator must have the ability to locate and retrieve data from a number of sources, using a variety of tools and techniques. This module introduces some standard investigation tools and processes.

Task based assignment 100%

Teaching Block 2TBA

Forensic Data RecoveryCE01098-5

Level 515 Credits

Stafford CE00868-4 The gathering of evidence often involves a process of search and discovery of data that is relevant as evidence. The process of search and discovery involves the analysis of digital data storage systems to construct evidence of past actions. The same processes that are required to gather evidence can also be used more generally to recover, as far as possible, lost or corrupt files etc. This is very important

An ASSIGNMENT weighted at 1000%.

Teaching Block 1TBA


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when possibly as a result of criminal damage expensive data becomes unavailable to the users. This module aims to develop your practitioner skills in these areas.

Forensic Data Gathering, Reconstruction and AnalysisCE00397-6

Level 615 Credits

Stafford CE01098-5 This module further develops the foundation of practitioner skills first covered in CE00884-5. More emphasis is placed on standards of evidence handling.

An EXAM length 2 HOURS weighted at 50%. An ASSIGMT weighted at 50%

Teaching Block 1TBA

Computer Networks RouteIntroduction to Networking with LANs and WANsCE00126-4

Level 415 Credits

Stafford None The module prepares students for the first half of the CISCO Certified Network Associate Exam (CCNA), which is an internationally recognised professional qualification in computer Networking. It covers basic networking concepts and practice. Note – the subject focuses on larger networks used in a business setting, it is NOT about setting up a typical home user computer network.

A Case Study 3000 words (30%)CCNA 1 Skills Test (30%)CCNA 2 Skills Test (40%)

Teaching Block 1TBA

Teaching Block 2TBA

LAN Switching and WAN NetworksCE00881-5

Level 515 Credits

Stafford CE00126-4 The module is the second half of the progression towards being prepared for the CISCO Certified Network Associate Exam (CCNA), which is an internationally recognised professional qualification in computer networking. It builds on the work covered in Introduction to Networking module, extending that to some basic security and wireless and more advanced network organisation and management.

A REPORT length 1500 WORDS weighted at 20%. An EXAM length 2 HOURS weighted at 50%. A PRACTICAL weighted at 30%

Teaching Block 1TBA


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Advanced Wireless NetworkingCE00860-6

Level 615 Credits

Stafford CE00126-4 &CE00881-5

This leads to Cisco specialist designation in wireless networking. It covers wireless fundamentals, network design and management and configuration as they relate specifically to wireless networks.

An EXAM length 2 HOURS weighted at 70%. A PRACT EXAM weighted at 30%.

Teaching Block 1TBA


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Forensic Science ProgrammeNB the following modules may not be available as general options to students on these awards: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science; BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology; BSc (Hons) Forensic Science & Criminology; BSc (Hons) Forensic Science & Psychology; BSc (Hons) Biology with Forensic Science; LLB with Forensic Science; BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation; BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation; BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology.

Students can follow a structured programme through all three levels by taking Crime Scene Investigation; Forensic Science: Methods of Crime Detection; and Practical Methods of Crime Detection. There are also free-standing level 5 and 6 modules available.


Sites available



Crime Scene Investigation

SHS82104-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None Includes roles & duties of forensic scientist & scenes-of-crime officers; quality control & continuity of evidence in chain from crime scene to laboratory to courtroom; overview of types of chemical, physical & biological evidence used in forensic science.

1.5 hour examination (75%) plus coursework assignment (25%)

Teaching block 1

Forensic Science: Methods of Crime DetectionSHS82202-5

Level 515 credits

Stoke None Includes fingerprinting (principles of recovery, enhancement, classification and comparison); forensic examination of hairs & fibres and relevance to solving crimes; analysis of paints, glass, documents; techniques for testing.

A written assignment (2000 words) weighted at 35% covering the first one third of the lecture material and a 2 hour class test weighted at 65% covering the remaining two thirds of the module.

Teaching block 1

Drugs of AbuseSHS82205-5

Level 515 credits

Stoke None The role of forensic science in the investigation of drugs and drug-related crime. Current UK legislation; major classes of controlled drugs; detection, identification and quantification of drugs; methods of alcohol

1500-2000 word essay (100%)

Teaching block 2


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determination in the body & calculation of blood-alcohol levels. Brief introduction to use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport.

University Law ProgrammeNB the modules within this programme are also included within the core or specific options of some awards. If you are on such an award you can only take modules from the list below as specific credit modules.

Modules are available at levels 4 & 5 within this programme. Please contact the Law School for further details of modules and timetabling.


Sites available



Legal Environment of BusinessLWU10114-4

Level 415 credits

StokeStafford

None This module will provide a broad introduction to the legal environment within which business operates. Topics covered will include the formation of business contracts, the law relating to negligence, and the use of the small claims track to protect business interests.

100% coursework – a group project requiring the completion of four exercises.

Teaching Block 1

Law of Business Management (Distance Learning)LWU10004-5

Level 515 credits

VLE None An overview of the following law will be covered in the context of the setting up and operation of a small/medium size business. The formation and operation of simple contracts, consumer protection and negligence. The formation and operation of a contract of employment. Statutory and tortuous duties regarding health and safety and Intellectual property rights to protect commercial interests.

100% Portfolio – a portfolio comprising five sections (500 words each) totalling 2,500 words

Teaching Block 2VLE


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Globalisation, Environment and Sustainability


Sites available Admissions requirements


SCS83151-4 Environmental Issues

Level 415 credits

Stoke None The module introduces the study of the environment and environmental issues using social and ecological perspectives. The environment is examined as a ‘cultural construct’, the product of interactions between physical ecosystems and human communities. Few, if any, contemporary environments are natural or unmodified, so the central theme is the modification and transformation of nature into habitats and landscapes through time. Two elements within this theme are environmental change prior to the 20th. century and contemporary environmental change

1250 word essay (50%); 1hr class-test (50%)

TB1Monday 3 – 5pm

SCS83152-4 World Regions: A Geographical Approach

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module examines the emergence, character and dynamics of world regions. A systematic analysis of several world regions is undertaken to examine the internal and external factors that help explain their contemporary geographies and the inter-connections between these regions is considered in the context of growing globalisation

1250 word essay (50%); 1hr class-test (50%)

TB2Thursday 4 – 6pm

SCS83164-4 Sustainable Lifestyles and Communities

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module examines the concept of sustainability at a personal and community level, and explores the factors which shape the development of sustainable lifestyles.

1250 word essay (35%); Portfolio (30%);1hr class-test (35%)

TB2Wednesday 9 – 11am


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Greening the CampusSCS83464-4SCS83513-5

Level 4 or 515 credits

Stoke None The University is committed to developing and enhancing its sustainability credentials. However, to meet that agenda it needs help and is keen to involve its students in changing its behaviour as a business organisation.

So this module is aimed at students from any course that are interested in helping to improve the University’s sustainability through creative thinking, researching ideas, presenting findings and recommending actions. For example, conducting environmental audits of services or Faculties; interviewing and collating views of students or staff on sustainable practices on campus; creating information guides on sustainability at Uni for freshers. The module will be assessed through a personal reflective diary and a negotiated group assignment (e.g. a poster display, a leaflet, a vidcast, a report etc.).

In this way you can help the University to help the planet and gain credits at the same time!

Level 4 – 50% Group Assignment (1500 words equivalent) & 50% Personal Reflective Diary (1250 words equivalent)

Level 5 - 50% Group Assignment (1500 words equivalent)50% Personal Reflective Diary (1500 words equivalent)

TB1, Thursday 4pm-6pm


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Mentoring Modules

All modules are taught in the Learning Exchange, Second Floor of Flaxman.

Module title and code where known

Level and number of credits

Sites available



Theory & Practice of MentoringAM25582-6

Level 6 30 credits

Stoke None As above A Portfolio of 3,000 words weighted at 60%.An essay of 2,000 words weighted at 40%.

Semester 1 Thursdays 10am-12pm

The following individual modules are also available as General Options to all students (except where noted otherwise):

Module title and code where known

Level and number of credits

Sites available



Volunteering: Action and ExperienceAM25412-5

Level 515 credits

Stoke None Already a volunteer or planning to be? Would you like to get accreditation (CATS points) for it? That’s what this module does. It is an independent-study type module designed for those who are interested in undertaking at least 40 hours of voluntary activity in a semester. To complete the module, you will be required to attend a weekly workshop, undertake voluntary activity and complete an assessment that asks you to reflect on the skills gained during the volunteering process.

Individual Presentation 30% and Reflective Portfolio 70%

Available in both teaching blocks

Stoke:Thursday, 1pm - 2pm

Celebrity CultureHES93121-6

Level 615 credits

Stoke None The module takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of celebrity culture, integrating perspectives from sociology, psychology, media studies and anthropology.

Class test – 1.75 hoursEssay – 1500 words

Teaching Block 2Thursday 3-5 TBC


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Central to this module is the media: its history, development through the twentieth century and role in the creation of celebrity culture will be highlighted throughout.

Football CultureHES93118-6

Level 615 credits

Stoke None Analysis of the historical rise of football as a working class leisure pursuit, its commercialisation and impact on popular culture.Including a consideration of industrialisation, professionalisation, commercialisation, globalisation, celebrity culture, race, violence and gender as they affect football culture.

1.75 hr class test (50%)1500 word essay (50%)

Teaching Block 1Thursdays 3-5 TBC

Benefits AdviceHEW73128-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None Means-tested, contributory and non-contributory benefits, and tax credits; how these may be claimed; and how to challenge decisions; how benefits interact with each other.How to undertake benefit checks and `better off' calculations using paper-based information systems;Law relating to the availability for, and actively seeking work; fitness and incapacity for work; claims for means tested benefits and tax credits; disability benefits; social fund: poverty traps in the benefits system; and habitual residence and living together as a couple.

2000 word case study (100%)

Teaching Block 1 Thursdays 10-12


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Debt AdviceHEW73129-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of a key aspect of advice work provision in a diverse society; to develop problem solving and use of number skills in the following areas of debt advice:A general introduction to debt advice, including attitudes to debt, and reasons for debt; a general introduction to systematic debt advice; types of debt and appropriate strategies for tackling them; liability for and prioritisation of debts; an understanding of the process of enforcement through the appropriate Courts.

2000 word case study (100%)

Teaching Block 1Thursdays 2-4pm

Introduction to Housing AdviceHEW73132-4

Level 415 credits

Stoke None This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of Housing Advice. They include:The development of central and local Government housing policy; the `mixed' economy of housing provision and subsidy; current issues in housing reform; the right to accommodation, including homelessness and re-housing; security of occupation; repossession and tenant's rights;housing costs; issues around neighbourhood disputes; harassment

2000 word assignment (100%)

Teaching block 2Thursdays 2-4pm


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Documents

University General Option Directory 2005-06 Web viewUniversity General Option Directory 2012-13. General Options. What are they? The majority of undergraduate awards at the University