This module introduces the student to the soft skills required to be a successful engineering student. A foundation is established in this module to allow further development, in later modules, of the soft skills required to become a professional engineer. This includes communication skills, teamwork, ethics, self directed learning and proficiency in using industry standard productivity software.
Introduction to communications and soft skills for engineers: The soft skills required by professional engineers. Effective communication both as a communicator and as a receiver, active listening and note taking. The different possible media and modes of communication, their uses, advantages and disadvantages.
Technical writing for engineers: Structure layout and contents of technical documents. Revision of basic grammar and common mistakes. Technical writing style and techniques to communicate clearly in writing. How to structure sentences and avoid ambiguity in written communication. Formatting and the use of sections paragraphs to create a coherently structured document. Editing, proof reading assessing technical documents. How to conduct basic research and prepare for writing a report.
Oral presentation skills: How to prepare for an oral presentation. Effective presentation skills and how to communicate effectively within a group. Non-verbal communications. The appropriate and effective use of presentation tools.
Engineering ethics: Professional engineering codes of ethics, for example the IEEE code of ethics. Ethical case studies such as the Challenger disaster, the Ford Pinto case and the Tay bridge disaster. Ethical auditing in the project lifecycle. Critical thinking, decision making and ethical decision making. The impact of engineering achievements on society and the impact of engineering disasters resulting from bad ethical practices.
Teams and teamwork: Group dynamics and the social psychology of groups. How personal attributes can influence the behaviour of individuals in a group. The stages of group formation, the barriers to communication in a group and difficulties that may arise in teams. The composition of a team and its impact on effective team work. How to achieve effective team work.
Computer and IT skills: Productivity software tools used to create technical reports, presentations and graphical representation of complex data. Managing files, folders and disc space. Email, websites, web based communication and the appropriate usage of these media. Basic HTML and webpage development. Internet security awareness.
Learning to Learn/Self Directed Learning: Effective reading and note taking. Read, recall and review. How to prepare effectively for formal examinations. Techniques for time management, including creating a study timetable with specific goals and objectives. Studying in groups. How to effectively utilise the resources that the institute makes available to students and how they can be used in preparation for an exam. Concept generation i.e. mindmaps, brainstorming. Basic project management skills i.e. produce a project plan, time management, working effectively in a team, setting targets and meeting deadlines.
