Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Cameron Gray

This module is designed for students undertaking a two-semester work placement as part of a four-year degree with work placement. The sandwich year may be taken at the beginning or end of the level 6 year. Students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually students spend 10-12 months with a sandwich placement provider. Students normally start sometime in the period June to September of their second year and finish between June and September the following year. Students are expected to identify their own placement provider with the support of the University Careers Office and the School. The placement is not limited to locality and may be in the student’s home county or home country. All sandwich year placements must be approved by the module co-ordinator and Health and Safety Officer. Placement documents should be submitted by the deadlines in order for the necessary checks to be conducted and for the student to comply with financial requirements for student loans.

The practical element of the module comprises a block placement (of 7 to 12 months) taken at the beginning or end of the level 6 year. Students will register for the programme in the spring of their second year and will be provided with guidance on locating and applying for a placement. They will attend a series of work experience workshops during the spring to prepare them for the job search, creating applications and CVs, and preparing for the workplace environment. The student may begin their work placement at a date to be agreed between the student and employer, but not until the end of teaching for their current semester. The student will spend 7 to 12 months at the place of work and under the supervision of their employer. The onus is always on the student to find their own placement. Where students cannot find their own placement and one cannot be found for them, they will switch back to a ‘normal’ degree course. The placement should be related to the student’s degree subject and this relationship must be made clear by the student in their pre-placement forms. The placement must be approved by the module organiser and the University before work begins. The module organiser will monitor progress during the placement, mainly by email or video conference. A risk assessment will be conducted for the identified work placement.

threshold

Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

excellent

Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

good

Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

1. Confidence in dealing with the challenges in employment life.

2. Ability to work without supervision and retain effectiveness while under pressure.

3. Understand and appreciate of how businesses and organisations work and ability to act accordingly

4. Ability to respond positively to changing circumstances and new challenges.

5. Recognise and apply disciplinary understanding and subject knowledge to business and organisational issues and priorities in terms of both culture and economics.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Pre-placement Form		33.00
	Post Placement Report		33.00
	Statement from Employer		34.00

		Hours
Work-based learning		300

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Solve problems logically and systematically;
• Agree objectives and work plans with individuals;
• Use both verbal and written communication skills to different target audiences;
• Communicate proposals persuasively and respond positively to feedback;
• Problem solving strategies
• Recognise legal, social, ethical & professional issues
• Recognise risk/safety for safe operation of computing equipment
• Deploy tools effectively
• Work as a member of a development team
• Development of general transferable skills
• Deploy systems to meet business goals
• Defining problems, managing design process and evaluating outcomes
• Knowledge and/or understanding of appropriate scientific and engineering principles
• Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles
• Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
• Principles of appropriate supporting engineering and scientific disciplines