Module Information

Module Identifier

ES21120

Module Title

Research Skills in Environmental Science

Academic Year

2016/2017

Co-ordinator

Dr Andy Hardy

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Mutually Exclusive

GG20130, GG20230, GG25030, GG25110

Pre-Requisite

This module is only available to second year students registered on the F750 scheme

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Lecture	11 x 2 Hour Lectures

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	GIS Workbook 500 word summary of a key paper in Environmental Science	25%
Semester Assessment	Quantitative data workbook Completion of quantitative data workbook	25%
Semester Assessment	2000 word Laboratory Report	50%
Supplementary Assessment	GIS Workbook Resubmission of any failed components if the aggregate mark is a fail. Marks for passed components will be carried forward in the calculation of the re-sat module mark. Supplementary 500 word summary of a key paper in Environmental Science	25%
Supplementary Assessment	Quantitative data workbook Resubmission of any failed components if the aggregate mark is a fail. Marks for passed components will be carried forward in the calculation of the re-sat module mark. Completion of quantitative data workbook	25%
Supplementary Assessment	Laboratory Report Resubmission of any failed components if the aggregate mark is a fail. Marks for passed components will be carried forward in the calculation of the re-sat module mark. 2000 word GIS and mapping workbook	50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to contextualise Environmental Science research against the broader fields of academic enquiry

Apply descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse quantitative datasets

Undertake laboratory procedures to determine soil/water chemistry and interpret the findings

Produce maps and graphical representations of Environmental Science data, including the use of computer mapping, remote sensing data and GIS.

Aims

This module is designed to develop practical skills in Environmental Science, especially those related to designing and implementing a research project. The module is organized around four sections. Section 1 covers the context for research in Environmental Science and related disciplines. Section 2 covers the analysis of quantitative data including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, correlation and regression analysis. Section 3 introduces chemical analysis of soils and waters, including practicals focusing on soil sampling, macro nutrients, organic matter, soil organic carbon and trace elements. Section 4 will cover GIS and mapping, namely advanced graphing, time series data, remote sensing image display and enhancement, GIS maps, graphs and contour plots, and map production.
These skills will enable students to identify and formulate appropriate Environmental Science research questions and design methods for implementing successful research projects.

Brief description

This module is designed to equip Environmental Science students with the conceptual and practical skills needed to design and implement independent research projects in Environmental Science.
The module comprises four sections:
Section 1: Research skills in Environmental Science (semester 1): the context for research in Environmental Science and related disciplines.
Section 2: Analysis of quantitative data (semester 1): descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, correlation and regression.
Section 3: Chemical analysis of soils and waters (semester 2): soils sampling, macro nutrients, organic matter, soil organic carbon, trace elements.
Section 4: GIS and mapping (semester 2): advanced graphing, time series data, remote sensing image display and enhancement, GIS maps, graphs and contour plots, map production.

Content

The module will be taught using a mix of lectures and practicals/workshops:
Semester 1:
Section 1
Introduction to the history of Environmental Science and the context for research within this discipline.
Section 2
Lectures on the analysis of quantitative data in the context of Environmental Science.
Series of practicals on the analysis of quantitative data including:
- Descriptive statistics
- Inferential statistics
- Correlation and regression

Semester 2:
Section 3
Practical sessions covering the chemical analysis of soils and waters including analysis of:
- Soils sampling
- Macro nutrients
- Organic matter
- Soil organic carbon
- Trace elements
Section 4
Lecture introducing GIS and mapping.
- Series of GIS and mapping practicals including the themes: Advanced graphing and time series data
- Contour plots and map production
- Remote sensing image display and enhancement

Brochure Text

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	The use of statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, quantifying sampling error and introductory inferential statistics.
Communication	Assessed by written assessments and graphical assignments
Improving own Learning and Performance	Developed through independent reading and preparation for assignments, and by acting upon feedback
Information Technology	Competency in using the internet for sources of information, computer mapping and word processing
Personal Development and Career planning	Many of the skills developed through this module are transferable to non-academic contexts and students are made aware of their wider applicability.
Problem solving	Deciding how to design Environmental Science research projects, and on the appropriate methods for the treatment and presentation of data
Research skills	Preparation of completion of assignments will use a range of research and information gathering skills
Subject Specific Skills	The acquisition, analysis and presentation of Environmental Science data
Team work	Team work and group discussion is involved in some lectures and practical sessions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5