RDEV30060 Professional Communications

Academic Year 2024/2025

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.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

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

Not yet recorded.


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
Dr Brian Leonard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Miss Karen McGrath Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tomás Russell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer