Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Scientifc Paper Scientific paper type report of the S2 lab work, with group M&M and Results sections, and individual Introduction and Discussion. 3000 Words | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Evaluation Report This is an evaluation of the consultation study held in S1. The report will examine the success of the approaches taken, whether sufficient resources were available for the task agreed with the client, and whether output matched expectation. 1500 Words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Consultation Report This is the report that would be supplied to a client containing key results and evidence led advice from consultation study 1500 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Consultation Report This is the report that would be supplied to a client containing key results and evidence led advice from consultation study 1500 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Evaluation Report This is an evaluation of the consultation study held in S1. The report will examine the success of the approaches taken, whether sufficient resources were available for the task agreed with the client, and whether output matched expectation. 1500 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Scientifc Paper Scientific paper type report of the S2 lab work. The student would be able to rewrite all sections or use the existing group M&M and Results sections from the previous submission. The submission would have individual Introduction and Discussion. 3000 Words | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Understand the key issues of design and quality control/assurance in environmental, ecological and biological investigations.
Critically evaluate how a project has proceded and consider how the project might be better tackled in the future
Develop creative and practical research schemes using new technologies or approaches.
Evaluate the potential application of recent technical advances for environmental and biological investigations.
Interpret complex datasets and make recommendations based on these findings.
Brief description
This module provides practical experience in traditional and novel field/laboratory techniques in the context of environmental management and biological/ecological investigations. Students will be involved in survey/ research design (including QA/QC measures), and the implementation of investigations within fixed practical and time constraints. The module gives a taste of working for clients to a specified brief, in evaluation of the approaches chosen and how they delivered stated objectives, and data interpretion with due regard to levels of confidence identified in the evaluation process.
Aims
This module aims to explain underlying principles and provide practical experience in the application of a range of innovative field/laboratory techniques appropriate to environmental management and biological/ecological investigations. It contains content of broad appeal across disciplines, gives experience of working in a group, or individually, and equips students with skills that are directly relevant for a career in research or consultancy.
Content
Lectures by Aberystwyth University or external specialists will cover aspects of the design and implementation of investigations with emphasis on taking approaches that are "fit for purpose". Additional lectures and workshops will introduce technologies, explaining their theoretical basis and potential applications.
Students will build on theoretical knowledge contained in the lectures by gaining practical experience of using field and laboratory techniques for scientific investigation.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Data handling arising from investigations – assessed in reports |
| Communication | Students will be expected to express themselves appropriately in their reports. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Detailed feedback will be given on assignments |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases - assessed in reports |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students will have some choice in the area which is covered by their seminar, as such this will allow them to begin to specialize in areas of specific interest linked to their future career plans |
| Problem solving | Problem solving skills will be developed in the designing and implementing investigations |
| Research skills | Students will be required to undergo directed self-study and so will develop their literature research skills. These skills will be assessed in each of the module reports. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Advanced field investigation and analytical techniques – assessed in reports |
| Team work | Yes – particularly in fieldwork elements of the module |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7