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First Year Programme

UG Year 1 Programme

Course Outline

The overall aim of the Year One Programme is to help students succeed in their future studies at The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China. The programme equips students with the language and study skills that they need to manage their studies independently and to meet the demands of their future academic course.

To achieve this aim, they need to be able to use English in a wide range of academic situations. In their future courses, for example, they will have to read textbooks and journals, listen to lectures and make notes on what they have read or heard. They must then be able to use this information to write assignments and discuss their subject with teaching staff and other students.

The Year One Programme is organised to help them achieve these goals. The academic English language courses are provided by the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) and the content courses are organised by lecturers from various academic departments within UNNC.

The Year One Programme is divided into two semesters. The Introduction to English at UNNC module is non-credit bearing and is intended to be an intensive introduction to academic English and studying in an English-speaking environment. All other modules in semesters one and two are credit-bearing and students study a combination of academic English courses and content courses which are designed to develop the specific language and study skills you will need for your future degree course.

Semester	Module Code	Module Title	Credits	Description
	X10FCA	Undergraduate Reading and Writing in Academic Contexts	20	ALL
	X10FCB	Undergraduate Listening & Speaking in Academic Contexts	20	ALL
I	X10FC3	Introduction to Information Technology	15	IB, IC, IS, ES, IET
	X10FC7	Introduction to Business and Economics	15	IB, IET, ESIB
	X10FC6	Media and Texts:Society	15	IC, ES, IS, ESIB
	EH0EIT	Engineering Communication and IT Skills	10	CS, CSM, EG, SD,EnS, Arch
	EH0ALG	Algebra for Physical Sciences and Engineering	10	CS, CSM, EG, SD,EnS
	AR0DG	Architectural Drawing and Graphics (Full Year)	35	Arch
	EF0SDB	Sustainable Development in the Built Environment	10	SD & EnS
	EH0SCA	Foundation Science A: Physics	10	CS, CSM, EG, SD,EnS
II	X10FCC	Undergraduate Academic Oral Presentations	10	ALL
	X10FCD	Undergraduate English in Specific Academic Contexts a	20	ALL
	X10FCE	Undergraduate English in Specific Academic Contexts b	20	ALL
	X10FC5	Introduction to Analytic Thought	15	IB, IC, IS, ES, IET
	X10FC4	Introduction to Business Methods	15	IB, CSM, ESIB
	X10FC8	Media and Texts: Culture	15	IC
	AS0001	Western Civilisation	15	IS
	AE0IPA	Introduction to Programming and Algorithms	15	CS, CSM
	EH0CMT	Foundation Calculus and Mathematical Techniques	15	CS, EG, SD, IET
	EH0SCB	Science B: Chemistry	15	EG, EnS
	EJ0ENV	Introduction to the Environment	15	EnS
	AR0PD	Principles of Architecture	15	Arch
	AR0DG	Architectural Drawing and Graphics (Full Year)	35	Arch
	EF0SDBET	Sustainable Development and Energy Resources Technology	15	SD
	TBC	The English Puzzle	15	ES, ESIB

Module descriptions: English language Modules

Semester One

Undergraduate students will study these modules:

Reading and Writing in Academic Contexts focusing on developing the core strategies, skills and language that will enable you to read and write within a range of undergraduate-level academic contexts.

Timing = 6 hours per week (3 x 2hours)

Assessment Weighting

1 x 2000 word coursework group essay 35%

1 x 60 minute mid-semester reading exam 25%

1 x 90 minute end-of-semester reading/writing exam 40%

Listening & Speaking in Academic Contexts UG focusing on the development of appropriate language, strategies and skills for understanding academic lectures, taking effective notes and participating in seminar discussions at undergraduate level.

Timing = 3 hours per week (1x 2 hours + 1 x 1 hour)

Assessment Weighting

1 x 30 minute mid-semester listening and note-taking exam 25%

1 x 15 minute end-of-semester group seminar discussion 35%

1 x 60 minute end-of-semester listening and note-taking exam 40%

Semester Two

Undergraduate students will study either 1 or 2 and 3:

1。Undergraduate English in Specific Academic Contexts a (Arts & Social Science Pathways: International Business; English Studies; International Communications & International Studies) focusing on the development of language and skills for reading, writing, listening and speaking, with specific reference to undergraduate Arts & Social Science academic contexts.

Timing = 6 hours per week (3 x 2 hours)

Assessment Weighting

1 x 20 minute end-of-semester group seminar discussion 20%

1 x 75 minute end-of-semester listening & note-taking exam 20%

1 x 2 hour end of semester reading/writing exam 25%

1 x 1000 word evaluative/argumentative coursework essay 35%

2。 Undergraduate English in Specific Academic Contexts b (Science & Engineering Pathways: Engineering & Computer Science; Environmental Science) focusing on the development of discipline-specific EAP reading, writing, listening and speaking skills within a range of Science & Engineering academic contexts.

Timing = 6 hours per week (3 x 2 hours)

Assessment Weighting

1 x 20 minute end-of-semester group seminar discussion 20%

1 x 75 minute end-of-semester listening and note-taking exam 20%

1 x 2 hour end-of-semester reading/writing exam 25%

1 x 1000 word evaluative coursework report 35%

3。 Undergraduate Academic Oral Presentations focusing on the development of appropriate language, strategies and skills for the effective delivery of oral presentations in undergraduate academic contexts

Timing = 3 hours per week (1x 2 hours + 1 x 1 hour)

Assessment Weighting

1 x in-class group informative presentation 40%

(5 minutes per speaker)

1 x end-of-semester individual persuasive presentation 60%

(10 minutes per speaker)

Module descriptions: Content Modules

Introduction to Information Technology

Module code: X10FC3

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module introduces the history, concepts, recent developments, and effective use of information communication technology (ICT).

Throughout your time at UNNC, you will be required to produce essays, reports, reviews, spreadsheets, financial reports and present them in a professional manner. In this module we will help you develop the skills you need in order to achieve this. The lectures will examine different types of computing, its components, peripherals and software, the Internet and possible future directions within the industry including information security and Web 2.0. The seminars take place in computer labs and use a hands-on approach to enable you to use the 2007 Microsoft Office System effectively for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Introduction to Business Economics

Module code: X10FC7

Credits: 15

Module Content:

This module introduces students to the basic microeconomic theory of the market and the firm. The topics covered include economic systems; resource allocation; market demand, supply and equilibrium; the theory of the firm (production, cost and revenue); market structure (perfect competition and monopoly); the theory of games.

Module Aims: To introduce students to basic microeconomic tools and concepts in order to prepare them for further studies in business and related areas.

Learning Objectives & Outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

This module develops a knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles involved in the study of business economics.

Intellectual skills

This module develops skills in the use of a range of techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis via the application of economic theory in a business context.

Professional/Practical skills

This module develops an appreciation of business, and in particular the analysis of market structure and economic systems.

Transferable/key skills

This module develops skills that will enable participants to present and communicate ideas and arguments effectively in both written and oral contexts.

Method of Assessment: One 2 hour examination

Media and Texts: Culture

Module code: X10FC8

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module aims to familiarise students with some of the basic concepts of media and culture and ways in which media texts can be treated as a means to gain insights into the dynamics of culture through examining a range of communicative contexts, diverse media and texts such as film, music, print media and television. The module therefore further develops students' skills and techniques of analysing media texts for the purpose of gaining knowledge and understanding of media representations of culture within and across cultures thereby also helping them develop intercultural awareness. Students will be able to adopt a comparative approach to the analysis of media texts drawn from different cultural contexts such as British, their own and others. Aspects of culture to be explored include: values, norms, high versus popular cultures, global versus local, diversity and ideology.

Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

Module code: AE0IPA

Credits: 15

Module content:

How can we automate the process of sorting a list of names into order, or finding a person in a phone directory? How can we make it as fast as possible? Answering these kinds of questions is the aim of the first section of this module which introduces the basic techniques for designing and analysing algorithms for various kinds of problems. After we have such an algorithm, how do we make a computer carry it out? The second part of the module teaches basic programming skills to allow translation of algorithms into working computer programs, and provides a basis for further study of programming. The topics chosen in this module are designed to give the student a solid grounding in the concepts underlying programming and the practical problem solving and analytical skills required to apply those concepts in a well-structured manner.

This module comprises two sections. The first section (approximately 6 weeks) focuses on algorithms and there are 2 one-hour lectures and 2 one-hour seminars per week; the 1^st seminar on the lecture homework questions, the 2^nd seminar on the concepts presented in the lectures. In the second section (approximately 4 weeks) the focus switches to programming concepts and practice. Again, there are 2 one-hour lectures, but seminars become a single two-hour lab in a computer room per week.

Although students will be expected to learn the theoretical concepts presented, the module heavily emphasises practical work and practice. Programming skills cannot be learnt by anything other than doing, so completing non-assessed work is required to have a realistic chance of success in this module.

Engineering Communication and IT Skills

Module code: EH0EIT

Credits: 10

Module content:

The aim of the module is to provide students with the basic skills to make effective use of information technology and personal abilities for communicating, problem solving, and team working. Concepts will be introduced relating to the creation and presentation of technical information and ideas electronically, graphically and orally. The module introduces topics basic to communication in the engineering. These include:

IT basic skills and communication: the use of electronic mail and the Internet; the creation and editing of text and word-processed documents.
Computing: numeric data manipulation and representation using spreadsheets; basic programming skills.
Communication skills: writing reports; working in a group; poster presentation.
Basic technical/schematic drawing.

Algebra for Physical Sciences and Engineering

Module code: EH0ALG

Credits: 10

Module content:

The aim of the module is to provide students with the confidence, mathematical knowledge and fluency in algebraic techniques core to quantifying and analysing basic problems in engineering or science. Further, this module should enable students to develop algebraic mathematical techniques and their application to problem solving. This module provides a basic course in algebra, including complex numbers, required in elementary quantitative analysis relevant to the modelling of problems in engineering and physical sciences. A key element is to provide basic algebra and trigonometric mathematical skills. The module will cover: algebraic manipulation, solution of simultaneous equations and inequalities using algebraic and graphical techniques, sequences and series and complex numbers.

A one hour session each week will provide lecture and example activities. Additionally, a weekly workshop will be used flexibly between supervised tutorial and assessment activities to consolidate learning and problem solving. Use will be made of e-learning support and directed self-study.

Science A: Physics

Module code: EH0SCA

Credits: 10

Module content:

The aims of the module are to develop the student's awareness of an ability to solve basic problems in the fields of electrical principles, engineering statics and dynamics, wave motion, sound and geometric optics, properties and characteristics of fluids and their measurement. This module will introduce students to the following concepts:

the basic knowledge of electricity and magnetism required for entry into Engineering Faculty courses.
scalars and vectors, also giving a broad grounding in the basic response of rigid structures to imposed forces.
the physical explanations of light and electrons, from practical applications to physical models of light and electrons.
an elementary understanding of the properties and characteristics of fluids and their measurement (density, (normal) pressure, shear stress, relative density, kinematic viscosity, surface tension, Pascal's law, compressibility).
fluids statics (hydrostatics), pressure on submerged surfaces, forces on curved and inclined submerged surfaces (e.g. force on a pipe outlet), buoyancy.

Introduction to Analytical Thought

Module code: X10FC5

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module introduces the fundamental components of analytical thought for study at UK universities: logic and reason; belief and truth; thought and problem solving; persuasion; academic argument across disciplines.

In particular, it develops skills in analytical thinking and reasoning. It focuses on the abilities to problem solve and to present, evaluate, support and defend an academic argument or viewpoint. It also enables participants to develop confidence in their own reasoning, tolerance of ambiguity, and flexibility and fairness in considering different viewpoints.

Introduction to Business Methods

Module code: X10FC4

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module provides a grounding in quantitative and qualitative analysis with emphasis on understanding and analyzing data. Students will learn how to apply statistical techniques in order to solve business problems. Students will develop skills in the use of spreadsheets for data analysis and in the interpretation of results. A group project forms part of the assessment which will enable students to improve their team working and management skills.

Media and Texts: Society

Module code: X10FC6

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts of media and society and ways in which media texts can be treated as a means to gain insights into the dynamics of society through examining a range of communicative contexts, diverse media and texts such as film, music, print media and television. The module develops students' skills and techniques of analysing media texts for the purpose of gaining knowledge and understanding of media representations of society within and across societies. Students will be able to adopt a comparative approach to the analysis of media texts drawn from different societies such as British, their own and others, thereby helping them develop intercultural awareness. In addition, students will be able to look at and question how media texts represent the world, whether it is fact or opinion. Students will be encouraged to begin to analyse media texts in relation to institutions, political ideologies and identities.

Western Civilisation

Module code: AS0001

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module surveys and analyses some of the major developments in the making of the West from the Age of Greece and Rome through medieval and early modern times until the French Revolution. This addresses key ideas and forces in the growth of Western Civilisation before the onset of the modern era including the Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment. Particular attention is paid to social, political and economic forces that have shaped the development and outlook of major European cultures.

The module consists of weekly lectures and seminars. Further details on content and class activities will be provided at the start of the semester.

Maths for Computer Science

Module code: EA0001

Credits: 15

Module content:

The aim of the course is to enable students to develop the skills necessary to learn mathematics through the English medium and to develop their knowledge of mathematics. The topics chosen are those most likely to be of use in later computer science modules. There is particular emphasis on calculus, especially integration, and discrete mathematics. The first half of the course covers areas which are more familiar to the students to enable them to develop their language and study skills. Integration and other more advanced topics in pure mathematics are then covered. Throughout the course an emphasis is placed on depth of understanding in order to encourage the students to develop the skills required to apply their mathematical knowledge to new situations.

The module consists of 15 one-hour lectures and 15 one-hour seminars. Most new material is presented in the lectures with more practice in the examples classes.

Foundation Calculus and Mathematical Techniques

Module code: EH0CMT

Credits: 15

Module content:

The aim of the module is to provide students with the confidence, mathematical knowledge and fluency in mathematical techniques to help solve basic problems in engineering or science requiring the use of differential or integral calculus. Additionally, the aim is to develop additional mathematical techniques, including dealing with uncertainties, and their application to problem solving. This module provides a course to consolidate previous studies in differential calculus and introduce a range of mathematical topics used in the analysis of problems in engineering and physical sciences. The module will cover techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, differential equations, matrices and elementary statistics. Application to solving real life problems is developed.

A two hour session each week will be used flexibly between lecture, example and supervised tutorial activities. Additionally, a weekly workshop will consolidate learning and problem solving through example and assessment activities. Use will be made of e-learning support and directed self-study.

Sustainable Development & Energy Resources Technologies

Module Code: EF0SDBET

Credits: 15

Module Outline:

Protection of the environment has become a global challenge for human society. With the current trend in global industrial growth, it is inevitable that social, legal and economic pressures will for many years to come, present industry with serious environmental problems. Energy resources are also of great concern to all because of their socio-economic impact on the whole of society. This module is therefore intended to provide an overview of the factors that could affect a sustainable energy-environment as well as providing an understanding of the application of renewable energy sources as part of sustainable energy strategies.

This module will be delivered through combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will provide knowledge and understanding of the subject material. Seminars will be used to reinforce, develop and apply knowledge and understandings gained in the lectures and allow students to obtain specific problem solving and advice. In addition students will be expected to undertake directed learning, researching activities and working on assignments.

Science B: Chemistry

Module Code: EH0SCB

Credits: 15

Module content:

The initial aims of the module are primarily to provide students with the necessary pre-requisite skills required for the study of modules that require a knowledge of chemistry and to provide students with a working knowledge of basic chemical principles and practice. The module then aims to set organic and inorganic chemistry in an engineering context and to provide basic information in these topics. Students should understand the key industrial chemistry processes using the basic information provided. The module also covers organic and inorganic chemistry with industrial examples for use in subsequent courses in engineering. This will be achieved by providing lectures, example classes and laboratories. The topics covered will include: chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical units of measurement, molarity, acids and bases, stoichiometry, redox, equation balancing, rate of reaction, solubility and equilibria.

Students will have a two hour lecture, a two hour laboratory session and a one hour tutorial each week. Students will be expected to prepare prior to laboratory sessions by reading the lecture notes, completing tutorial exercises and reading the laboratory worksheets.

Introduction to the Environment

Module code: EJ0ENV

Credits: 15

Module content:

This module integrates knowledge of atmospheric, oceanic, geomorphological and ecological processes to inform an understanding of global systems and environmental change. The module considers: basic principles of climate and general circulation patterns in the atmosphere and ocean basic principles of geomorphological systems basic principles of biogeography, ecology and biochemical cycling.

Architectural Drawing and Graphics

Module Code: AR0DG

Credits: 35

Module Outline:

The module will introduce students to basic architectural graphic presentation and representation skills. Design skills relevant to an architectural education programme will be introduced and developed to enable the students to represent their architectural design projects during the BArch course.

The content will include fine art training such as indoor and outdoor pencil sketching, life and still drawing, 2D graphic design and 3D model making using different material (card, paper, balsa wood, etc.).

The module consists of weekly seminars and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake private study following the weekly sessions to practice and further develop the skills and techniques introduced.

Principles of Design

Module Code: AR0PD

Credits: 15

Module Outline:

The module will introduce students to the principles of design across a wide range of professional disciplines with a particular emphasis upon architecture. Ideas, philosophies and attitudes from different backgrounds influencing architectural design will be discussed. The module consists of weekly lectures and seminars from academics and professional focusing on the basic principles and approaches to design.