Module Identifier BSM3210  
Module Title SAMPLING TECHNIQUES IN PRACTICE  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Joanne V Hamilton  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Aileen R Smith, Dr Dylan G Jones, Dr John D Fish, Professor John Draper, Dr John H R Gee, Dr John Scullion, Dr Luis A J Mur  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   Tutorials/seminars to identify appropiate environmental management issue.  
  Practical   6 x 3 hour practical sessions  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment "Scoping" report in the form of potential solutions to the problem20%
Semester Assessment Competency of performance if chosen sampling method(s). Students will demonstrate that they are able to choose and use an appropiate sampling metnod for their particular environmental management problem.40%
Semester Assessment Final report (5000 words)  40%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this modules, students should be able to:


Brief description

This is a new module which address key issues and developments in sampling techniques, methodology and technologies regarded as central to managing the environment. The module will explore the concepts of "best practice" and how they are translated into actual sampling techniques and skills used by environmental management practitioners. The scope of novel and emerging technologies in informing practice will be explored.

Content

Through 9 problem-centred research tutorials and 6 three hour student-centred practical sessions, students are provided with a comprehensive knowledge base in key sampling techniques. Students will select a problem-driven environmental management topic relevant to their preferred pathway and through exploring potential solutions develop competency in key sampling techniques. The module covers a broad range of sampling issues and developments in coastal, estuarine, freshwater and terrestial ecosystems. Students will evaluate the use of "appropiate technology" to solve environmental management issues in a variet of contextual settings, from the laboratory to the field.

Module Skills

Problem_solving Students will select a problem-driven environmental management topic and through exploring potential solutions, develop cometency in key sampling techniques, best practice and the choice of "appropriate technology".  
Research skills Through the practical sessions and tutorials, students will gain research skills required to provide a practical solution to their chosen environmental management problem.  
Communication Academic and commercial writing skills will be developed.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback on the "scoping" report will inform the final report.  
Team work Students will be involved in the planning of both the practical and written elements of the modules. Effective team-building, management and communication skills will be developed.  
Information Technology Storage and retrieval of data. Report writing. Presentation of data in reports. Use of electronic journals and databases, etc.  
Application of Number Required for the analysis and synthesis of data obtained in the practical sessions and incorporated into the reports.  
Personal Development and Career planning Students will gain confidence in their ability to plan, perform, evaluate and report on their chosen sampling methods.  
Subject Specific Skills Generic and pathway specific sampling skills (please refer to key skills 1,2 and 6)  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7