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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE2800 Environmental Measurements

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Robert Newton
Email: R.J.Newton@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Module replaces

SOEE2700

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module will prepare students for a significant research activity such as their Level 3 research project. The module will present techniques and theory behind experimental planning, sampling, measuring, analysing and interpreting data. The aim is to give a coherent training all the way from experimental design through to presentation of findings. Students will learn how to design and implement scientific experiments, how to analyse the data they collect, to draw inferences, and how to write a report on their experiment. Students will have an opportunity to gain practical, hands on, experience of how environmental data is produced, analysed, interpreted and reported.

Objectives

Building on skills developed at Level 1, this module aims to provide all Level 2 Environmental Science students with a coherent and consistent training in skills needed for collecting, analysing and interpreting environmental data. The module provides the opportunity to undertake field and laboratory techniques relevant for future careers in Environmental Science.

Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate field-based, practical and research skills including observation, analysis, measurement, synthesis and integration/assimilation of information
2. Demonstrate an understanding of key chemical and physical measurement techniques for water, soil and the air, and their application in environmental sciences
3. Recognise how precision, accuracy and uncertainty are involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data
4. Critically appraise these analytical approaches in the application of environmental monitoring with attention to the validation of environmental measurements through sampling strategies and quality control.
5. Apply skills learnt in this module to plan and present a scientific report


Syllabus

• Planning a sampling strategy
• Awareness of logistics, ethics, risk assessment
• Precision, accuracy and uncertainty
• Collection of data and analysis of samples in the field
• Range of laboratory analysis of soil, water and atmospheric samples - practice and theory
• Technical/professional report writing

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Drop-in Session51.005.00
Fieldwork27.5015.00
Lecture221.0022.00
Practical52.0010.00
Independent online learning hours6.00
Private study hours142.00
Total Contact hours52.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

• Preparation for fieldwork and practicals
• Independent reading
• Preparation of project report
• Revision

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback during field and lab work
Drop-in sessions to provide help with Project Report

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Report2000 word project report60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)60.00

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


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)3 hr 00 mins40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)40.00

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

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:25:48

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