Module Identifier BSM0220  
Module Title COMMUNICATION IN EIA PRACTICE  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Dr Aileen Smith  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Course delivery Contact Hours   30 hours this module is an extension of the Communications Skills module BSM1110 which is held in the Institute of Biiological Sciences at the begginning of Semester 1 - together with all other postgraduates (taught and research). EIA students will then continue with a group project which makes up the rest of the Communications in EIA Practice module.  
Assessment Group project   this will provide 90% of the marks (resit - project)    
  Report   this is an individual report (10% of the marks)    

General description
To enable students to develop a range of communication skills relevant to future employment in a relaxed
and secure teaching enviornment

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module the student will have gained both experience and an understanding of the requirements for successful written, oral and visual presentations, group project work and management, as well as information retrieval. In addition, they will be conversant with the opportunities presented by and the challenges of managing an interdisciplinary 'consultancy group' in preparing an environmental statement in a professional environment. The outcomes have been tailored to fit the students' likely future employment environments.

Content
Various forms of scientific writing will be considered : (i) writing a thesis, (ii) writing a literature review, (iii) writing for
targeted publications (iv) poster presentation. In addition students will become aware of the salient features in making good oral presentation including use of audio visual aids and planning /timing/rehearsing presentations. This component will be peer-group assessed.

The standard format of meetings will be discussed and will cover the roles adopted by the Chairperson and Minutes Secretary and the production of an agenda. Experience will be provided in 'interview techniques' with the emphasis on gathering information.
Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in the above through defined role-playing exercises; this theme is an integral part of the development of team work projects.

Attention will also be given to careers awareness, facilities and opportunities.

Finally, students will work in small interdisciplinary teams either to produce an Environmental Impact Statement for a development project, a Strategic Environmental Assessment report or to undertake an Environmental Audit of an established facility. Students will also produce individual report focussing on the management of the project.