Module Information

Module Identifier
BRM4800
Module Title
Field and Laboratory Techniques
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Consultation Report  This is the report that would be supplied to a client containing key results and evidence led advice from consultation study. The repost is written from group results of their survey and molecular analysis during the semester 2000 Words  50%
Semester Assessment Scientific Paper  Scientific paper type report of the S2 lab work, with group M&M and Results sections, and individual Introduction and Discussion. 2000 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Consultation Report  This is the report that would be supplied to a client containing key results and evidence led advice from consultation study. The repost is written from group results of their survey and molecular analysis during the semester 3000 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Scientifc Paper  Scientific paper type report of the S2 lab work. The student would be able to rewrite all sections or use the existing group M&M and Results sections from the previous submission. The submission would have individual Introduction and Discussion. 3000 Words  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand the key issues of design and quality control/assurance in environmental, ecological and biological investigations.

Critically evaluate how a project has proceeded and consider how the project might be better tackled in the future.

Deliver professional, creative and practical scientific research using suitable technologies, approaches and methods.

Interpret complex datasets and draw evidence-led conclusions from these findings.

Be able to write authentic reports and scientific papers that are targeted in style and content to their respective readers

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 in some instances, 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 a carers talk from James Cuffe towards the end of S1 that targets environmental consultancy. We will also try to get a representative from the Vincent Wildlife Trust to talk briefly as they are involved in the project in S1. Project supervisors will discuss working in research with the students during their S2 projects.
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 – in the fieldwork and laboratory elements of the module

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7