Gateway to Business Studies (5 ECTS)

Objective

After completing the course, the student
• is familiar with their study environment and community, as well as their opportunities to participate in higher education community activities
• knows the key guidelines, rules, and study practices of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, along with the basics of artificial intelligence and data protection.
• recognises their strengths related to studying and professional skills, and is able to plan their studies in alignment with their career goals
• is aware of their employment opportunities and knows how to develop their competence
• is able to write a report, understand Metropolia's reporting practices, and gather information while properly citing sources
• is capable of preparing and delivering a well structured and illustrative oral presentation
• recognises the characteristics of different communication situations and is able to adapt to them appropriately.

Content

• Physical and social study environment
• Key guidelines and rules
• Basics of artificial intelligence and data protection
• Curricula and study planning
• Study skills
• Self-management and development of self-awareness
• Industry-specific knowledge of the job market
• Professional competency profile and career planning
* Reporting and source usage
* Text genres and formal style
* Planning and executing oral presentations
* Feedback interaction

Location and time

Thursdays at 9-11 on Myyrmäki Campus in room MMA210 and Wednesdays at 11-13 in room MMB101.

Materials

To be announced.

Teaching methods

The course will include a variety of methodologies; lectures, guest lectures, seminars, class discussions, presentations, individual and group work and writing assignments. Students are expected to participate actively in the contact and online lectures and seminars throughout the semester. Presentation skills ties in with many other courses this semester.

You will complete individual assignments and observe the deadlines for these.

Tuition is partially in Finnish.

Employer connections

Guest speakers from the union for Students of Business and Technology.

Exam schedules

As this is a skills-based course, there is no traditional end-of-course exam. Your grade will reflect your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice in written assignments and oral presentations. This course includes a lot of individual work. However, being a supportive member of the class and contributing to a positive class atmosphere in your own study group and in the wider Metropolia Business School learning community is encouraged.

See the separate assessment criteria for the academic writing/presentation/reports/language of school education form/job application.

You need to pass all components of the course.
As there is no resit, you must discuss with the course lecturer(s) if you miss a component, as you will need to complete it at some stage to receive a course grade.

International connections

The class is international and studying in an international classroom and teams is an essential element of the course. The International Office will present international study and work placement abroad opportunities.

Student workload

The course is 5 credits which equals 130 hours of work for you.

Content scheduling

The full course schedule will be given in the course workspace. As changes may occur, students should follow the notices and revised schedules carefully.

Further information

The course is designed to be a building block or corner stone of your business degree, preparing and equipping you for undergraduate study on an international BBA programme in Finland and maybe at the a partner institution. During the course, you will acquire the basic tools for personal development on academic, business and interpersonal levels.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course to a satisfactory level
• is able to identify, define and use concepts and models in the subject area of the course
• understands the conditions and principles of the development of expertise.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course well, although there are still areas where knowledge and skills need to be improved
• has a good understanding of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course and is able to carry out a reasoned analysis
• is able to apply what they have learned in, free time, learning and working life situations
• understands the importance of expertise in the field and is able to analyse their own expertise.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks
• has an excellent command of the concepts and models of the subject matter of the course
• is able to analyse clearly and reasonably and propose practical development measures
• has a good ability to apply what they have learned in free time, learning and working life situations
• is able to analyse expertise in their field and their own development towards expertise.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• has achieved the objectives of the course to a satisfactory level
• is able to identify, define and use concepts and models in the subject area of the course
• understands the conditions and principles of the development of expertise.

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation criteria for the various exercises will be announced at the beginning of the course.