SYKDH110 Academic Education and Academic Skills

Contents and structure

Self-cultivation through education contributes to the wise use of knowledge. The Bildung and Academic Craft module is an introductory course and will allow students to interact with HVL’s academic and social community for the first time. HVL is a professional and working life-oriented university, based on interaction, sustainability and innovation.

This module promotes perspectives and theories which increase understanding of contemporary globalisation and provides a basis for mastering complex unforeseen challenges. This introductory course focuses on sustainability and our common global responsibility for those who live today, and for those who come after us. This module encourages students to be active and curious, to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop the ability for innovation.

The module aims to develop students’ knowledge of different professions and their understanding of and reflection on knowledge and ethics, in relation to education and sustainability. The module presupposes that scientific work is, among other things, an academic craft. Information literacy and writing texts form part of this craft, and the module provides basic training. With the use of academic working methods, we become familiar with and take part in the construction of the house of knowledge. This craft enables us to assess and document sources of information, and to expand and deepen knowledge. It also forms the basis for writing academic texts.

Education is the act of trying to make something of oneself in society. Education makes it possible to tackle historical contexts. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours help people to live in a meaningful way all around the world. Education is what allows civilized, sustainable and free societies to exist.

Education is the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities. In this way, the individual is able to participate in work processes. Education builds people and societies.

The concept of sustainability includes a conservation perspective, but also has a desire for innovation and development. Sustainability stands on three equal pillars: ecological sustainability, economic sustainability (including equality) and socio-cultural sustainability (including global social justice).

This module runs in the first semester and takes place in collaboration with students and academic and administrative staff. This introductory course has a general section which amounts to 5 credits and a specific educational section of 2.5 or 5 credits. The general section and the educational section form an integrated unit.

The contents of this module are: ethics, scientific theory, scientific methods, sustainability, academic writing, information literacy, use of sources, communication, collaboration and professional history.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student...

• will have knowledge of scientific working methods as well as research based knowledge

• will have knowledge of the relevance of professional competence and the profession’s perspective of the relationship between theory and practice

• will have knowledge of the relationship between professional competence, working life, and contemporary and past societies

• will recognise the main points of discussion about sustainable development in the global community

• will have knowledge of communication and collaboration

Basic skills

The student...

• will be able to find, assess and use different sources of knowledge and digital tools in their own knowledge building

• will be able to discuss key issues within science

• will be able to discuss key issues within ethics

Competence

The student...

• will be able to develop, revise and complete an academic text which adheres to academic requirements

• will be able to identify and clarify ethical choices and dilemmas in working life

• will be able to take in sustainability discussions and be critical and reflective of their own subject area and of the sciences in general

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Student-active learning methods and a flipped classroom strategy with digital module resources on Canvas are used.

Teaching and learning methods will thus vary between resource lectures and activities that promote reflection and group belonging. Supervision is

Compulsory learning activities

The following compulsory learning activities must be approved before students can sit the final examination:

1. Individual reflection paper

2. Digital course in information literacy

3. Participation in supervised group work

Compulsory learning activities are valid for four semesters. In the case of absence from cumpulsory learning activities, the same rules apply as for absence during practical training according to the regulations relating to programmes of study and examinations at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Assessment

Written group assignment, length 2000 words +/- 10% 

 

Assessment grading: Pass/fail 

Resitting examinations: If the task has not been passed, it is possible to submit a revised version no later than the end of the following semester.

Examination support material

All

More about examination support material