UCD Resource Guide
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Description |
| IT Services Student Guide |
UCD IT services have compiled the ultimate starter pack to introduce the key IT services and applications available at UCD. This guide encompasses the key information for getting started as a UCD student. It contains info on UCD Connect, email, software, IT support available and the Virtual Learning Environment. ➢ Where? |
| Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) |
Brightspace is the VLE in UCD. Each student can log in using their student ID and password to access the Brightspace. Within Brightspace you can navigate to the virtual classroom (Zoom), announcements from lecturers, module content, assignments, assessments, discussion boards etc. The ‘Pulse’ app can be downloaded on your smartphone and notifications for announcements/content uploads can be turned on. ➢ Where?"https://www.ucd.ie/connect/"> Click on Brightspace icon > enter UCD Connect username and password > Click Login. |
| SISweb |
SISweb is the student information system for UCD. On this platform you can complete your registration to UCD and register to modules. This platform provides access to services and information needed by students. On this platform you can pay fees, join clubs & societies, access academic transcripts, view past examination papers or top up your UCard! ➢ Where?https://www.ucd.ie/connect/> Click on SISweb > enter UCD Connect username and password > Click Login. |
| G Suite for Education |
G Suite for Education is provided by UCD. This is a core educational technology that all UCD students and staff can access via UCD Connect. G suite includes the primary applications; Gmail, Google Calendar (which syncs with your class timetable), Google Drive and Google Hangouts. ➢ Where?https://www.ucd.ie/connect/> Click on Gmail/Google Drive/Google Calendar icon > enter UCD Connect username and password > Click Login. ➢ Google cheat sheets for science and art disciplines. Science:(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/ld.php?content_id=31654484 Arts:(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/ld.php?content_id=31654483 |
| Microsoft: How to download and online training |
Microsoft 365 is available to download for all UCD students. ➢Where? UCD Connect> Software Download> Student> Navigate to Microsoft Office and click icon to download. Microsoft Office Online Training courses are provided to all students by IT Services via the GMetrix LearnKey software. Courses are offered in Excel (core and expert), Word (core and expert), PowerPoint and Access. Participants watch the video tutorials for each topic, complete a workbook and carry out practicals in which they are tested on the material. ➢ Where?https://www.ucd.ie/itservices/> Our Services > Training > Microsoft Office online training> follow the instructions to set up a GMetrix |
| Referencing and Citation | This resource provides a guide on referencing and citation for academic writing. It outlines the rules for different reference styles, including APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA and Vancouver. The resource provides information on the reference layout, an interactive tutorial on each and a quiz to test your knowledge. This guide provides information on how to in-text cite and reference from various sources including websites, books, journals etc. ➢ Where?(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/academicintegrity/intextcitation |
| Improving Academic Writing |
The UCD Writing Centre provides one-to-one tuition in academic writing in person and online. Appointments can be booked in advance, but the centre also welcomes drop-ins. Online tutorials and electronic guides on writing literature reviews, writing analytically, plagiarism, academic referencing and choosing a thesis statement are available. Experienced tutors are available to provide guidance with the writing process. This resource may be useful: - For first years who wish to understand the standard of writing expected in an academic essay. - For students who wish to elevate their plateaued grades, to ensure they’re communicating their points. - To help students that have problems with a particular aspect of writing. ➢ Where? Located in James Joyce Library Link 2 space, the glass room to the right of the main desk. ➢Limited online appointments are available, refer to: https://www.ucd.ie/writingcentre/about/usersguide/makeanappointment/ ➢ Online resources are available at:https://www.ucd.ie/writingcentre/about/handoutsandvideos/ ➢Supplementary Resources (provides pdfs on writing abstracts, lab reports etc.) (opens in a new window)https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/student-pdfs/ |
| Searching |
This provides an overview of information resources and explains how to find books, and journals and use UCD library databases. This is aimed at new students to introduce them to the OneSearch tool. ➢ Where?(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/infobasics/searchtips Here's a tutorial on using Google Scholar to find academic information. https://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/googlescholar/story_html5.html |
| Group Work | The University of Manchester provides a comprehensive guide on how to approach group projects and how to plan, design and deliver presentations. |
| Dissertation and Thesis |
A thesis is a research project that poses a question and sets out to answer this question through research. This guide provides explains the eight steps involved when undertaking a thesis. It includes links to useful external resources. ➢ Where?(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/academicintegrity/writingdissertationstheses The Writing Centre also provides a guide for drafting a thesis statement. This statement should encapsulate the topic of your paper and provide the basis for your argument. ➢ Where?https://www.ucd.ie/writingcentre/about/handoutsandvideos/ > Thesis statement (pdf) |
| Presentation | External Resources: |
| Plagiarism |
Academic integrity is at the centre of our core values at UCD, to ensure ethical work and high academic standards are achieved. Students should aim to adhere to the principles of academic integrity when writing by avoiding plagiarism and using appropriate referencing and citation. This guide covers the topics of avoiding plagiarism, referencing & citation, school citation styles and style guides. UCD’s Student Plagiarism Policy can be downloaded and reviewed. ➢ Where? (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/academicintegrity_2 |
| MyCareer: CVs, cover letter and professional development |
The Careers Network at UCD have curated a new career management platform. This resource provides access to e-guides, career information and interactive tools. On this platform, you can browse jobs and internships, read profiles from people on how they got their job and what recommendations they’d make to students. Tools such as a CV Builder, Cover Letter Builder, CV360, Elevator Pitch Builder and Interview360 are offered. CV360 implements an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) used by hiring managers to score your CV and give instant feedback. One-to-one sessions can also be booked with the Careers team. Interview360 provides a comprehensive library of common interview questions and provides the functionality to do a mock interview and receive instant feedback. ➢ Where? https://www.ucd.ie/careers/ > MyCareer > enter UCD Connect username and password > login and browse the resources available! |
| Literature Reviews |
A literature review involves a critical analysis of existing research published on a topic. UCD Library provides a tutorial with advice on how to write a literature review. Topics covered include:
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| Endnote Guide |
This guide introduces how to use EndNote 20 and EndNote Online. The guide informs students how to download the application and how to use it to manage references and create a bibliography. The guide provides a manual on how to use the extension in Microsoft Word. A video tutorial is also available, which goes through the process involved in using EndNote in a step-by-step manner (a version for both Windows and Mac users are available). ➢ Where? |
| Data Management |
This guide compiles the resources provided to facilitate researchers in their production of high-quality data. This guide provides tools and advice for organisation of data, ethical requirements, storage and backup of data. Where? (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/data For students:(opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/ld.php?content_id=32589862 |
| Evaluating Information & Fake News |
This guide can be used to develop your ability to assess the quality, accuracy, and reliability of sources. It prompts you to ask the correct questions to evaluate the quality of the information. It addresses five key related points: authority, accuracy, objectivity, content, and currency. The library has also compiled a resource based on fake news, with tips on how to detect false or misleading news articles. The objective of these articles is to influence opinion in a certain way. This guide provides students with the tools to identify these sources. ➢ Where? (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/evaluating (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/evaluating/fakenews |
| Critical Thinking |
Critical thinking must be used to critically evaluate a piece and identify its argument. The guide highlights the need to evaluate evidence, account for bias, and identify opinions. The tutorial provides students with the opportunity to learn about the five key aspects of critical thinking, to identify the skills needed and how to apply these skills. ➢ Where? (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/academicintegrity/criticalthinking https://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/thinkingcritically/story_html5.html |
| Study Skills |
UCD Library has compiled a list of titles of books that provide invaluable study skills. ➢ Where? (opens in a new window)https://libguides.ucd.ie/StudySkills/StudySkills |
| Open Book Exams |
This guide provides the key tips on preparing for open book exams. It reiterates the importance of academic integrity, referencing and writing critically. ➢ Where? |
| Subject-based Guides |
UCD Library has compiled a plethora of discipline-based guides that direct students toward resources and databases specific to the area. ➢ Where? https://www.ucd.ie/library/students/ > subject guides. |
| How to Give Constructive and Actionable Peer Feedback: Students to Students |
This animation, produced by students for students, aims to help students improve the feedback that they give to their peers. It gives some ideas on how the feedback can be more constructive and actionable. 'Peer review' is one of UCD's feedback strategies. ➢ Where? |
| Surviving Group Work -Tips for Students |
This one-page guide offers the top ten tips for students when engaged in group work. ➢ Where? https://www.ucd.ie/teaching/t4media/group_work_student_tips.pdf |
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An Introduction to Effective Poster Design and Production
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This nine-page PDF resource, written for students producing a poster, gives detailed information on how to design a poster presentation, including the poster size, font and use of colours. It discusses accessibility and graphics issues and suggests some different software. ➢ Where? https://www.ucd.ie/teaching/t4media/poster_design_production.pdf |
Contact the Student Desk
Ground Floor, Tierney Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. T: +353 1 716 1555 | Location Map(opens in a new window)www.ucd.ie/askus