Learning outcomes
The programme leading to this degree provides you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes appropriate to a broad-based technology degree that covers different aspects of technology and technological thinking across a wide range of discipline areas. The specific knowledge and understanding you gain will be determined by your particular choice of available modules.
Knowledge and understanding
This degree offers you the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the principles, concepts and techniques associated with the implementation of technological solutions
- a range of descriptions, models and languages to describe the technological processes of analysis, synthesis and design
- a range of technical, economic, commercial, social and other factors which affect the practice and development of technologies.
Cognitive skills
Your studies will give you opportunities to:
- apply key concepts and use current tools and techniques relevant to your areas of study, and develop an understanding of the limitations involved
- critically analyse, interpret and compare current technological literature and techniques
- select and synthesise information and methods from a range of sources to present arguments, support findings, solve problems and pursue opportunities.
Practical and/or professional skills
Depending on your choice of modules you will have the opportunity to use practical skills (e.g. in laboratory work) relevant to your area of study.
Key skills
You will have opportunities to develop and practise the skills to:
- improve your own learning and performance so that you can learn effectively in new situations
- communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways
- recognise and understand a range of technological problems and ways of tackling them.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Core knowledge and understanding are acquired from specially prepared teaching texts supported by self-assessment and in-text questions, reference texts, computer-aided learning (CAL) packages, directed reading, online forums, web-based resources, broadcast TV programmes, and video and audio tapes. You work independently with the teaching materials, but are encouraged to form self-help groups with other students, communicating face-to-face, by telephone, email and online forums. Associate lecturers (local part-time tutors) will support your learning in tutorials and day schools organised regionally.
Knowledge and understanding are continuously assessed via tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and multiple-choice computer-marked assignments (CMAs) within modules, and by written examination or examinable component such as a project report.
The breadth of the Technology curriculum enables you to develop skills in both analysis and synthesis.
Cognitive skills are promoted in the teaching materials via a range of activities including self-assessment activities, CAL tasks and computer-based investigations.
Cognitive skills are assessed by tutor-marked assignments, examinations or examinable components such as a project report.
Practical and/or professional skills and attributes are developed via teaching materials and additional selected papers and articles. You will also have the opportunity to develop relevant practical skills at stand-alone residential schools.
Practical skills are assessed by tutor-marked assignments and an examinable component where appropriate.
The study of technology is supported by a ‘backbone’ of skills development in learning, communication and problem solving. Learning skills include planning, self-assessment, identifying strengths and needs, setting priorities, and reviewing and reflecting on progress. These are developed explicitly at Level 1 and in some Level 2 modules. At higher levels skills are usually developed implicitly in context. Skills of effective communication and problem solving are developed within the teaching materials and supported by online forums, tutor feedback and guidance on assignments. Tutorials, day schools and residential schools provide opportunities to develop communication, presentation and group working skills.