Module Information

Module Identifier
GS25100
Module Title
Environmental Science Tutorial Level 2
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Literature Review  Students who fail the module will normally be allowed a resit, which will involve the resubmission of any failed and /or non submitted assignments.  1500 words  30%
Semester Assessment Essay  Students should note that attendance at tutorials is compulsory, as is submission of work by the deadline set by the tutor.  1500 words  30%
Semester Assessment Dissertation/project proposal  1800 words  40%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  1500 words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Literature Review  1500 words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation/project proposal  1800 words  40%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Write in an academic style

2. Critically engage with contemporary literature in Environmental Science;

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of Environmental Science in recent decades;

4. Discuss and analyse the use of different approaches within Environmental Science;

5. Identify a research problem or subject and design an appropriate research strategy;

6. Demonstrate an appreciation of the nature and appropriate use of different methodological strategies in Environmental Science.

7. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues in Environmental Science research.

Brief description

The tutorial module is designed to be a complementary module for students taking Part Two Environmental Science. It provides a basis for close and regular supervisory contact with students throughout the year.

Objectives

The module has three specific objectives. First, as a source of close, working contact, it can more effectively address the general academic and pastoral problems confronted by students during their second year. Second, each Environmental Science Tutorial Module is designed to have its own independent academic syllabus. This will focus on drawing out the integrative themes that run through the Environmental Science programme and which are best dealt with as a separate thematic overlay to the Level 1 course. Third, it develops research skills through focussing on identifying gaps, forming research questions, and designing research strategies. Fourth, it will address a defined range of study skills, enabling students to cope more effectively with the basic demands of academic study, develop transferable skills, and enable them to exploit more fully the possibility offered by the Environmental Science programme.

The study skills covered by the Level 2 Tutorial Module will deal with the following: Project work/Dissertations [inc. design/problem formulation: data sources/techniques: compiling bibliographies: techniques of report writing] Oral Presentations Career guidance/self-assessment

The module is assessed through three assignments: an essay (1,500 words, 30%); a literature review (1,500 words, 30%); and a dissertation proposal (40%).

Aims

The tutorial module is designed to be a complementary module for students taking part one Environmental Science. It provides a basis for close and regular supervisory contact with students throughout the year.

_Objectives
The module has three specific objectives. First, as a source of close, working contact, it can more effectively address the general academic and pastoral problems confronted by students during their first year. Second, each Environmental Science Tutorial Module is designed to have its own independent academic syllabus. this will focus on drawing out the integrative themes that run through the Environmental Science programme and which are best dealt with as a separate thematic overlay to the Level 1 course. Third, it will address a defined range of study skills, enabling students to cope more effectively with the basic demands of academic study, develop transferable skills, and enable them to exploit more fully the possibility offered by the Environmental Science programme.

Content

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:
• Summarising and synthesizing academic literature;
• Forming and supporting arguments;
• Key debates and approaches to environmental science;
• Revision techniques;
• Forming research questions;
• Ethics and fieldwork in safety;
• 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.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This is not explicitly addressed in this module.
Communication Students will be required to present written work in an appropriate academic register.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be encouraged to respond to feedback.
Information Technology Students will be required to use word processing technology for the coursework.
Personal Development and Career planning Personal development and employability issues are embedded in the personal tutor sessions.
Problem solving Students will be required to identify a research problem and to plan a research strategy.
Research skills Students will be required to research and evaluate and analyse information for coursework
Subject Specific Skills The three assignments address key debates and themes in geography.
Team work While not assessed, there will be opportunities for students to work as a team.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5