2011/12 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1441 Environmental Science Skills

10 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Andrea Jackson
Email: A.V.Jackson@see.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2011/12

Pre-requisite qualifications

Non attendance of the field trip without good reason will incur a cost to the student.

Module replaces

SOEE 1440

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

In terms of practical skills, students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of some important field techniques and their application;
- apply theoretical considerations regarding the distribution of chemical elements in sediments and water samples to the design and execution of sampling programmes;
- apply a basic analytical chemistry technique to the analysis of earth materials;
- collect and analyse simple, statistically-varying measurements from the atmospheric surface layer;
- critically evaluate data derived from a field study;
- chemically and physically analyse water, soil and ecological samples in the laboratory;
- demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a team.

In terms of transferable skills, students should have:
- developed study and learning techniques which will involve processing and reformatting information, responding to feedback, prioritising their study time and preparing appropriately for examination;
- they will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences and readerships and be able to produce formal academic essays, and scientific reports;
- they will be able to reference and acknowledge their sources.

In terms of data analysis skills, students should have:
- a broad-based understanding of the use of quantitative and qualitative techniques available within Microsoft EXCEL, to prepare, process, interpret and present environmental data;
- gained an appreciation of the precision, accuracy and uncertainty involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data;
- they will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences and readerships and be able to produce formal academic essays, and scientific reports;
- they will be able to reference and acknowledge their sources.

Learning outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
- undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders;
- appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory;
- referencing work in an appropriate manner;
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;
- solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills).

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members;
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of formation;
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places some emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles;
- evaluating performance as an individual and a team member.

Syllabus

Lectures
- Academic writing skills for University study and how to reference
- Why maths and data analysis?
- Research at University
- Environmental Ethics
- Fieldwork introduction
- Problem solving
- Opportunities for your further study - Industrial Placement & Study Abroad.
- How to give effective oral presentations
- Career opportunities for Environmental scientists
- Exam preparation.

Workshops
- Introduction to Excel workshop (1 hour)
- Using the Library workshop (1 hour)
- Data analysis workshops x 2 (2 hour)
- Environmental Ethics Case Study (2 hour)
- Using feedback from tutors (2 hour)
- Careers and Leeds for Life workshop - Making yourself stand out in the crowd (1 hour).

Fieldwork
- Residential field trip - sediment pollution & geology
- One day field trip - noise pollution.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	2	2.00	4.00
Workshop	1	1.00	1.00
Workshop	4	2.00	8.00
Fieldwork	3	7.00	21.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			46.00
Total Contact hours			54.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessments to support transferable skills development (ie essay, data analysis and referencing exercises), and application of subject specific (ie exercises to support compulsory modules on programmes).

All pieces of coursework must be submited in order to pass the module.
All fieldwork must be attended in order to pass the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 words. Students are required to submit a formative essay towards the beginning of the semester. The summative essay will be marked for a maximum of 40 if the formative essay is not atempted.	60.00
Practical Report	Fieldwork workbook	25.00
Oral Presentation	10 minutes	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

All pieces of coursework must be submited in order to pass the module. All fieldwork must be attended in order to pass the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/02/2012

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