Module Information

Module Identifier
BRM4800
Module Title
Field and Laboratory Techniques
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Scientifc Paper  report of the S2 lab work, with group M&M and Results sections, and individual Introduction and Discussion. 5000 Words  40%
Semester Assessment Evaluation Report  of the consultation study, examination of approaches taken, whether output matches expectations, and the resources available. 2000 Words  30%
Semester Assessment Consultation Report  as supplied to the "client" containing key results and advice from consultation study 2000 Words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Evaluation Report  of the consultation study, examination of approaches taken, whether output matches expectations, and the resources available. 2000 Words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Consultation Report  as supplied to the "client" containing key results and advice from consultation study 2000 Words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Scientifc Paper  report of the S2 lab work, with group M&M and Results sections, and individual Introduction and Discussion. 5000 Words  40%

Learning Outcomes

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

Identify key issues of design and quality control/assurance in environmental and biological investigations.

Establish "best practice" for investigating a selected problem in environmental, ecological or biological management.

Demonstrate understanding of "appropriate technology" by developing creative and practical solutions to the problem under investigation.

Evaluate the potential application of recent technical advances for environmental and biological investigations.

Interpret complex datasets and make recommendations based on these findings.

Brief description

This module provides practical experience in traditional and novel field/laboratory techniques in the context of environmental management and biological/ecological investigations. Students will be involved in survey/ research design (including QA/QC measures), and the implementation of investigations within fixed practical and time constraints. The module gives a taste of working for clients to a specified brief, in evaluation of the approaches chosen and how they delivered stated objectives, and data interpretion with due regard to levels of confidence identified in the evaluation process.

Aims

This module aims to explain underlying principles and provide practical experience in the application of a range of innovative field/laboratory techniques appropriate to environmental management and biological/ecological investigations. It contains content of broad appeal across disciplines, gives experience of working in a group, or individually, and equips students with skills that are directly relevant for a career in research or consultancy.

Content

This module addresses key issues and developments in environmental and biological investigations, explores "best practice" and how briefs/ or research can be implemented under realistic investigation constraints. The module will expand student skills in practical science, and expose them to technologies and methodologies that will be unfamiliar.
Lectures by Aberystwyth University or external specialists will cover aspects of the design and implementation of investigations with emphasis on taking approaches that are "fit for purpose". Additional lectures and workshops will introduce technologies, explaining their theoretical basis and potential applications.
Students will build on theoretical knowledge contained in the lectures by gaining practical experience of using field and laboratory techniques for scientific investigation.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Data handling arising from investigations – assessed in reports
Communication Students will be expected to express themselves appropriately in their reports.
Improving own Learning and Performance Detailed feedback will be given on assignments
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases - assessed in reports
Personal Development and Career planning Students will have some choice in the area which is covered by their seminar, as such this will allow them to begin to specialize in areas of specific interest linked to their future career plans
Problem solving Problem solving skills will be developed in the designing and implementing investigations
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self-study and so will develop their literature research skills. These skills will be assessed in each of the module reports.
Subject Specific Skills Advanced field investigation and analytical techniques – assessed in reports
Team work Yes – particularly in fieldwork elements of the module

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7