Introductory description

This 1st year module is designed to help you develop and enhance your team working and networking skills in a scientific research environment. It is based on a 3-day course, where the emphasis is on the role of teams within the research environment in order to support the creation of quality outputs. The ways that different personality types interact together will be explored and experienced in practice by through groupwork and review.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module uses experiential learning and thematically develops, through a personal inventory, impact of self and others in team working, communication skills training and personal development planning. The intensive course introduces the concept of informal networking as a method of information gathering and influence. Participants have the opportunity to practise presentation skills on the intensive course. Experiential team activities provide the stimulus for discussion and reflection on what makes small teams successful. The group project transfers this outdoors learning into a work environment. Language gained from Myers Briggs personality typing provides a lens through which inter-personal dynamics can be discussed. The course works on Kolb’s learning cycles, Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation.

Students will attend 3 day intensive course in team working.

As follow up to the intensive course students will reflect on the following:

Personality types: what they are; how they interact with others; consequent group dynamics ⎯ appreciation of own research group personality types and team roles
Assignment of roles in a group project; successful management/leadership of a group activity
Group problem solving or group presentation
Networking: why it is helpful. How best to approach it: establishment and development of contacts
Collaborative research and review of own role in the success or otherwise

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• understand personality type according to MBTI and its possible impact on group dynamics.
• Understand how different roles can contribute to an effective team and reflect on the ones that suit them
• reflect on their personal impact on others and how this influences the dynamics of their work group
• devise strategies for working with their supervisor and their research group to ensure a profitable interaction between them
• solve problems in collaboration with colleagues/peers.
• understand the value of informal networking and how to network effectively

Interdisciplinary

Communicating and working across disciplines with module participants from different SEM departments

Subject specific skills

n/a

Transferable skills

Understanding of the various personality types and their possible effects on group dynamics.
Understanding of the team roles and how to work effectively in a group
Ability to reflect on personal impact on others and how this influences the dynamics of the work group
Ability to devise strategies for working with the supervisor and the research group to ensure a profitable interaction.
Ability to solve problems in collaboration with colleagues/peers.
Understanding of the value of networking and how to network as effectively as possible.