Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

The Environmental Science core includes an assessed tutorial component with personal academic tutors in small groups of about five students. In this module study and personal skills are developed, career ambitions explored and academic discussion takes place around a defined syllabus.

Academic coursework in the Level 1 Tutorial module examines the themes that emerge from the topics discussed in the first year Environmental Science modules and through such enquiry develops a range of academic study skills. These include:
• The planning of work routines and the setting of academic and personal targets;
• Library use and how to build an effective reading programme; styles of note making/annotation and bibliographic referencing;
• Data analysis and interpretation;
• Environmental Science Essay Writing and examination technique (students are introduced to good writing skills and the qualities used to assess written work);
• The value of, and how to respond to, feedback.

The tutorial module offers students the opportunity to engage directly in their learning, to contribute to discussion and give presentations on their work in a small group setting. Alongside its academic role, discussion can take place of employability and careers opportunities. The module is assessed through three assignments.

The first assignment (1,500 words; 40%) consists of an essay (1,200 words; 80%) and a commentary noting how students have responded to formative feedback (300 words; 20%). The second assignment consists of a five-minute presentation (20%), while the final assignment consists of an essay (40%).

1) To assist students in making the transition between A level and university level
2) To introduce students to key concepts and ideas in Environmental Science
• 3) To help students identify and effectively employ appropriate sources of data and information in Environmental Science
• 4) To provide support for, and coherence between, the core modules in Environmental Science
• 5) To develop students' study skills
• 6) To develop students' personal transferable skills.

This module combines pastoral and personal development responsibilities of the personal tutor with the development of core study skills that are central to success in Higher Education.
The ten sessions (which include personal tutor meetings) will address the following themes:
• Evaluating and reviewing library and learning resources;
• Writing for academic audiences;
• Responding to feedback;
• Revision techniques;
• Presentation techniques.

Other issues relating to pastoral development – such as signposting university and local services, the expectations and challenges of university life, time and resource management, reviewing academic performance, and employability and career aspirations - can be discussed in designated personal tutor slots.