2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5690M Research Frontiers and Environmental Fieldwork

15 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr Ian Burke
Email: i.t.burke@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

None

Module replaces

None

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module aims to provide an opportunity for students to engage directly with the high level research being conducted within the school during research seminars and to allow students to engage in and investigate a more specialised area of science not normally covered during standard content based modules. Students also should expect to gain contact with research leaders within the School. Attendance will be compulsory at all seminars with attendance monitoring and marks reduction applied for lack of attendance.

Part of the assessment of this of the module will be via a 3,000 word literature review based on one of the research seminars. Allocation of students to topics will be by student choice but limited number of available markers. Marking will be distributed to SEE dissertation supervisors according to specialist subject knowledge and staff workloads with appropriate input from the Dept. HoS.

Assessment deadline will be end of semester two in order to avoid dissertation hand in. (Students may not submit literature reviews submitted for credit during the dissertation module).

In addition students will have to take part a compulsory fieldtrip in a subject commensurate with their programme of study (currently we will offer either a conservation biology based course in Co Devon or an atmospheric science based course on Arran). However other appropriate field courses can be taken as directed by the programme manager.

The Arran field course will be held at the Lochranza Fieldcentre, on the Isle of Arran, 9th – 16th September 2016. The Devon field course will take place at a date to be confirmed.

Assessment for the fieldwork will be via a combination of tasks completed in the field and a 1,500 word report set by the field trip organiser.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Practice skills in analysis, synthesis and integration of information, and in the application of related theoretical knowledge, where relevant. They will appreciate related issues of the investigation of the exploitation of resources and other human impacts on the environment.
- Gain an understanding of the range of academic research carried out within the school and produce a high quality literature review to a tight deadline.
- Demonstrate ability to engage with academic research and critically evaluate the state of the science knowledge in a chosen area.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a team.
- Gain an appreciation of the precision, accuracy and uncertainty involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data.
- Be able to report data and uncertainties in a concise report.
- Practice the practical requirements for collecting environmental measurements.

Skills outcomes
- Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
- 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
- Communicating appropriately to a academic audiences in written form
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- Using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- Recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct
- Team working skills
- Data analysis skills
- Error appreciation skills
- Interpretation skills wrt field data.

Syllabus

- 15 x SEE research seminars.
- Topics and academics chosen will reflect the 5 streams with Environmental science: Earth; Atmosphere: Biosphere: Water and Environmental Management, with 2-4 researchers in each area.
- 4 or 5 day environmental science fieldtrip.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	1	2.00	2.00
Fieldwork	1	72.00	72.00
Lecture	1	1.00	1.00
Seminar	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			60.00
Total Contact hours			90.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

60 hours: Time for private reading to back up seminars / fieldwork and preparation of written assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Drop in session during semester two to ensure students have chosen topics and are aware of requirements for final submission.
- Feedback form tutors directly during fieldwork and marks from semester one fieldtrips.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Report	Project Report	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 17/03/2016

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