Gateway to Business Studies (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

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

Teaching methods

The course will be online and include a variety of methodologies; lectures, seminars, peer-to-peer evaluations, presentations, individual and group work and writing assignments. Students are expected to participate actively and follow the guidelines for the different assignments. Presentation skills ties in with many other courses this semester.

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

Location and time

This is a self-paced course and will take place online in Moodle.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Materials and suggestions for further research will be provided in Moodle during the course.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

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 course member and contributing to a positive course atmosphere 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.
The academic writing assignment will take place on campus in the EXAM aquarium. It is the only one that can be repeated.

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 Moodle course. As changes may occur, students should follow the notices and revised schedules carefully.

Further information for students

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

Assessment methods and criteria

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

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.