Module Details

Module Code: CIVL7003
Title: Communication
Long Title: Communication for Engineers
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5822 - Civil Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides engineering students with a foundation for reflection on and analysis of the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements. It develops their ability to communicate effectively with the engineering community and society at large.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Reflect on the ethical and social implications of decisions they will take as part of engineering and multi-disciplinary teams.
LO2 Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) to a variety of audience types, selecting communication tools appropriate to the intended audience.
LO3 Use principles of reasoning to construct and deliver concise arguments intended to persuade.
LO4 Organize formal meetings, producing documentation in the form of agendas and minutes.
LO5 Prepare a technical report from appropriate engineering and scientific literature sources.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
none
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
none
 
Indicative Content
Communication
Selecting appropriate media for specific audiences and purposes. Oral communication: debating skills, presentation skills, voice projection, eye contact, non-verbal communication, making a connection with an audience.
Technical report writing
Revision of principles of written communication skills. The literature review process. Sources of appropriate peer-reviewed documentation. Analysis and synthesis of information. Use of citations and referencing methods. Presentation of technical reports and documents.
Ethics and Leadership
An introduction to concepts and theories from the history of ethics. A review of a selection of writings on leadership and ethics from major thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Niccolo Machiavelli,Jeremy Bentham, J.S. Mill and J.P.Sartre.
Reasoning and Argumentation
Principles of sound reasoning, types of reasoning (inductive/deductive), valid and invalid arguments, fallacious reasoning, tools of persuasion.
Meetings
Function of meetings, meeting procedures, roles of Chairperson and Secretary. Common problems with meetings. How to run crisp, productive meetings. Various types of minutes and leadership styles.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Team Presentation Project and Evaluation Report
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,5
Assessment Description
Technical report
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Debate Assignment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Report and Presentation on Ethics/Philosophy
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module material Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Project work. Teamwork. Presentations. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of module material and preparation of assignment work. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module material Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Project work. Teamwork. Presentations. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of module material and preparation of assignment work. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Connell, W.J. (ed.). (2005), The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli (with related documents), 1st. Bedford/St.Martin's, Boston, [ISBN: 0-312-14978-6].
  • Joan Van Emden and Lucinda Becker. (2017), Writing for Engineers, Fourth. Red Globe Press, [ISBN: 978-135200047].
  • McClave, Henry. (2008), Communication for Business, 4th Edition. Gill & McMillan, Dublin, p.382, [ISBN: 9780717144556].
  • Truss, Lynne. (2003), Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation, 1st. Profile Books, London, [ISBN: 1-861-97612-7].
  • J Seely. (2013), Oxford A-Z of grammar and punctuation.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Blackburn, S.. (2003), Being Good: A Short Introduction to Ethics, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, p.172, [ISBN: 978-0192853776].
  • Hogg, M.A. and G.M. Vaughan. (2017), Social Psychology: An Introduction, 8th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-129209045].
  • Mill, J.S.. (2016), On Liberty and Other Essays, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, [ISBN: 978-153706099].
  • Martin Cutts. (2013), Oxford guide to plain English, Fourth Ed. Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 9780199669172].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CSTRU_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Structural Engineering 4 Mandatory
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 4 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 4 Mandatory