Description and contextualization of the subject

The Professional development and transversal skills subject is mandatory and is taught within the Erasmus Mundus Master in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion (MESC+). This subject will provide comprehensive training to the student by working on their capacities that are not specifically scientific or are not directly related to science but are, however, necessary for the development of their professional career.



To be a good scientist, researcher or technologist, it is essential to acquire excellent technical knowledge. However, it is equally important to develop the ability to share such knowledge, work with other people in a coordinated and active manner, and efficiently manage the research-related resources.



This course will delve into the development of communication and transversal skills, which will include learning and implementing communication, assertiveness, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, time management, project management techniques, and more.



In short, the purpose of this subject is to complete the scientific training offered by the Master and provide the student with the necessary resources to achieve a successful professional career.

Learning outcomes of the subject

The skills that should be developed by the students throughout this subject are:



- Communication and Assertiveness: set of skills that allow the effective exchange of information. It involves both listening and message transmission skills and involves mastery of both verbal and non-verbal communication.

- Leadership: Competence to influence and inspire others to work enthusiastically aiming to achieve common goals and results.

- Teamwork: Competence to cooperate adequately with others, prioritizing group results and joining the team to achieve common goals.

- Time management: competence to adequately plan the time available and schedule the different activities and/or tasks to achieve the objectives, in order to obtain the highest possible productivity.

- Introduction to project management: competence to plan and organize the tasks/activities necessary to achieve a defined objective within a certain period of time during which resources, tools and people are managed, as well as methodologies are developed in order to achieve the final objective efficiently.

Ordinary call: orientations and renunciation

The students will be evaluated by means of:

- Oral presentation exercises.

- Continuous monitoring of each student’s utilisation of the classroom exercises (group dynamics, role-playing, debates, etc.).

- Assessment of teamwork skills observed in the classroom.

Extraordinary call: orientations and renunciation

Multiple-choice test that will cover the main points of the programme.

Temary

The contents of the theoretical and practical classes will be:

1. Communication.

1.1. How to communicate effectively and guarantee that the message is received as we wish.

1.2. How to be assertive (as opposed to passive or aggressive).

1.3. Example of effective communication processes: how to make a good job interview.

2. Basic skills for personal development.

2.1. Leadership.

2.2. Teamwork.

2.3. Proactivity and entrepreneurship.

3. Time management: how to organise our time in multitasking environments, learning how to prioritise in an organised fashion.

4. Introduction to project management: key points to organise a project, from drafting to justification, reviewing the different phases.

Bibliography

Compulsory materials

The necessary material (folder/dossier) will be provided on the first day of class, along with the theoretical/practical material. The student will also have access to the additional material on the eGela platform, which will help them understand and follow the classes seamlessly.

Basic bibliography

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People : Stephen Covey

- Emotional Intelligence : Daniel Goleman

- Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence : Daniel Goleman

In-depth bibliography

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Stephen Covey



- Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence: Daniel Goleman



- https://www.aje.com/dist/docs/Guide-Creating-Effective-Scientific-Figures-for-Publication.pdf



- Guide to Making Effective Presentations Paperback by Dr. John Hodges Reed

Links

- https://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talks?referrer=playlist-how_to_make_a_great_presentation



- https://www.mindtools.com/