RDEV30060 Professional Communications

Academic Year 2022/2023

This is an undergraduate module designed for stage 4 students of the BAgrSc degree programme. The overall purpose of the module is to strengthen communication skills which are of value in professional careers. The principal topics covered include: The theory underpinning interpersonal communications; Presentation skills and Public Speaking; Written communication skills; Group communication; One-to-one communications; Demonstrations and Open Days; Radio skills; Use of ICTs in agricultural communication campaigns.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
explain the theory underpinning the human communications process;
describe the media and methods used in professional communications and evaluate the appropriateness of each for given situations;
develop skills related to the use of selected communications methods (lecture presentations, group meetings, individual consultations, radio presentations, demonstrations, open days and communications campaigns).

Indicative Module Content:

Course Topics:
1. The communications process and media / methods used in communication of information
2. Effective presentation skills
Lecturing / public speaking both in person and using online platforms (e.g. Zoom or Teams)
Effective use of Powerpoint and audio-visual aids
3. Written communication methods and use of mass media
4. Use of ICTs in Agricultural Communications Campaigns
5. Demonstrations and Open Days
6. Discussion meetings
- planning effective meetings + meeting agenda
- role of chairperson + roles necessary for an effective meeting
7. Individual communication methods (advising / counselling / consultancy skills)
8. Guidelines for using radio


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Practical

3
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

55
Total

118
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Class discussions 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is specifically designed for final year B.Agr.Sc. students.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Professional Communications (AERD40030), Professional Communications (RDEV37060)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: End of trimester assessment Week 12 n/a Graded No

40
Continuous Assessment: Projects on presenting lectures, writing and group work. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Lecture presentations: Written feedback summarising the the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation will be provided in a timely manner. Written assignments: Group/class feedback post assessment

Name Role
Assoc Professor Monica Gorman Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor James Kinsella Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24 Mon 18:00 - 20:50
Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 18:00 - 21:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 18:00 - 21:50
Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 18:00 - 21:50
Spring