BØA119 Academic formation and skills

Contents and structure

Formation through education contributes to the wise use of knowledge. The subject Formation and academic craftsmanship is an introductory subject and the student's first encounter with the professional and social community of Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The vocational and working life-oriented university is based on interaction, sustainability and innovation.

The subject promotes perspectives and theories that increase the understanding of globalization in the present day and provides a basis for mastering complex and unforeseen challenges. The introductory topic draws attention to sustainability and our shared global responsibility both for those living today and those who come after us.

The subject helps to stimulate the student to be active and curious, to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop the ability to innovate. The course aims to develop the students' knowledge of various professions and subjects, their understanding of and reflection on knowledge and ethics. This is seen in relation to education and sustainability. The subject assumes that scientific work is, among other things, an academic craft. Information skills and writing texts form parts of this craft, and the subject provides basic training. By using academic working methods, one becomes familiar with and takes part in the construction of the house of knowledge. The craft enables one to assess and document sources of information, and to expand and deepen knowledge. The craft enables one to write academic texts.

Formation enables human beings to realize their potential and add value to society. Formation makes it possible to cope with the historical situation. Knowledge, attitudes and behavior help people to live in a meaningful way in and with the world. Education is what allows a civilized, sustainable and free society to exist.

Education is man's dissemination and acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities. In this way, the individual becomes able to participate in work processes. Education builds people and society. The concept of sustainability encompasses a conservation perspective, but also has within it a desire for innovation and development. Sustainability stands on three equal pillars: ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and socio-cultural sustainability.

The subject is taught in the first semester. The introductory course has a common part which amounts to 5 credits and a subject-specific education part of 2.5 credits. The joint part and the educational part form an integrated unit.

The content of the subject is: ethics, scientific theory, scientific methods, sustainability, academic writing, information skills, source criticism, communication, collaboration and the history of professions.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Understands the main discussions on sustainable development in the global community
• Possesses knowledge of scientific research methods and evidence-based knowledge
• Understands the relevance of professional competence and the relationship between theory and practice in their own profession or discipline
• Recognizes the connection between professional competence, the workforce, and society in the present and the past
• Demonstrates knowledge of communication and collaboration
• Has knowledge of ethics

Skills

The candidate:

• Can reflect on key issues within their field and the sciences in general
• Identifies and reflects on crucial ethical issues and dilemmas
• Can find, assess, and use various knowledge sources and digital tools in their knowledge-building
• Can develop, revise, and complete an academic text that meets the academic requirements

General competence

The candidate:

• Can plan and execute diverse tasks over time, both independently and as part of a group
• Can convey central subject matter and engage in critical discussions about sustainability within their field and in the sciences in general

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Student-active learning methods and a reversed classroom pedagogy with digital resources are used in the subject in Canvas.

The teaching and learning methods will vary between resource lectures and activities that promote reflection and group belonging. Guidance is provided.

Compulsory learning activities

The following mandatory learning activities must be approved before the student is eligible for examination in the course:

• Individual reflective essay related to sustainability and/or their own profession and discipline.
• Digital course in information literacy to find, assess, and use various knowledge sources and digital tools in their knowledge building.
• Participation in group work with guidance related to conveying central subject matter, discussions about sustainability, and reflection on their own field and the sciences in general.

The same rules for absence in practice apply to mandatory learning activities, as per the regulations on studies and examinations at HVL.

Assessment

Written group assignment: 1500 words (+/ 10%).

Assessment: Pass or fail.

Re-examination: If the assignment is not passed, it is possible to submit a revised version by the end of the subsequent semester.

Examination support material

All study aids are allowed

More about examination support material

Course reductions

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• BARN110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• BIO101 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• ERG110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• FYS110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• IDF100 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• LUPEKI101 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• LUPEM101 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• RAD110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SA597 - Danning og akademisk handverk - historie - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SAB110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SO110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - sosiologi - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SOS110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Sosiologi - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKB110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKDB110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKDES110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKDF110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKDH110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKF110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKS110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• SYKH110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• VPD110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints
• VPL110 - Danning og akademisk handverk - Reduction: 5 studypoints