FSTE Policy and Administration Guide
Generic Skills
Generic Skills
A graduate of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering at La Trobe University will be expected to possess knowledge and skills in, and an understanding of the broad conceptual and theoretical elements of his or her fields of specialisation. It is expected that a graduate will possess a technical competence in the application of skills required for practice in this discipline, be able to stay abreast of theoretical developments in the discipline, and have the ability to integrate theory and practice. In addition to these skills, a graduate who has completed a 4-year program will be trained in research methods and will have completed a research project. Graduates will be expected to have an international rather than a purely local focus.
In addition to discipline specific knowledge, a graduate of the Faculty should also possess the following generic skills. The required level of these skills, and the balance between them, will depend on the graduate's course of study. However, it is expected that every graduate will have at least a basic competence in all of these skills.
Communication Skills: this could include effective communication in writing, reading, speaking, listening and concise report writing as well as interpersonal and presentational skills.
Numeracy: this could include the use of mathematics and/or statistics in data collection and analysis and in modeling.
Computer Literacy: this could include the ability to adopt and use current and relevant computing technologies to identify, analyse, interpret and present information.
Capacity for Team Work: this could include the ability to work as part of a team, and to practise in a multi-disciplinary environment with appreciation of the roles of professionals in related fields.
Problem Solving Skills: this could include the ability to identify and analyse problems and shortcomings in logic, theory and practice, the use of discipline specific techniques to solve problems and demonstration of research and measurement skills.
Critical and Reflective Thinking: this could include critical, conceptual and reflective thinking and the ability to appraise new ideas, developments and opportunities.
Intellectual Curiosity and Independent Learning: this could include the capacity to display intellectual curiosity, creativity and a capacity for life-long learning.
Ethical and Socially Responsible Attitudes: this could include an understanding of professional ethics and responsible social behaviour, environmental awareness, interpersonal awareness and the ability to deal with ethical dilemmas in an appropriate manner.