2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE3790 Advanced Environmental Science Field and Research Skills

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Ruza Ivanovic
Email: r.ivanovic@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Co-requisites

SOEE3291	Atmospheric Sci Field Skills
SOEE3801	Fieldwork and tutorials 3

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will train students in advanced practical environmental field skills and their expert application in research and industry. It involves both a field course and a component of independent research that allows the students to examine the observations made in the field in further depth, integrate their findings with current state of the art knowledge, and produce verbal and written reports on their work. The field course will take place over several days and will conclude with a capstone team research project. Out of the field, students will attend a series of tutorials to support the design of their independent research projects on a topic of their choice, combining their primary data (collected during the field trip) with published literature in order to test scientific hypothesis and draw original conclusions.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be familiar with research techniques used in meteorology, atmospheric physics, chemistry, biodiversity and ecology. Measurement techniques will have been practiced extensively in the field. A wide variety of in situ and remote sensing approaches will have been used to gather physical, chemical and ecological data . Data collected in the field will have been analysed using a variety of computer-based and analogue methods. Data will have been interpreted in order to draw conclusions concerning the natural structure of the atmosphere, both chemically and physically, and ecological diversity. The expert, in-field training will culminate in one group and one independent research project. Existing literature will be interrogated to integrate project findings with current state of the art knowledge.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
-Independently research, synthesise and critically analyse existing literature
-Apply expert practical skills and knowledge to measure environmental variables using research- and industry-standard instrumentation, and evaluate implicit error/uncertainty within those measurements
-Interrogate primary data to draw robust conclusions and integrate findings with existing state of the art knowledge
-Create clear oral and written presentations, including bespoke graphics, to communicate research findings

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate research- and industry-standard techniques in the field;
- undertaking field 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;
- preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- integrating current state of the art knowledge with conclusions drawn from primary data.

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- using the Internet critically as a source of information and access point for online atmospheric models;
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles;
- Managing a series of tasks as a team and working within a prescribed timeframe;
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members.

The module places some emphasis on:;
- recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Syllabus

This module involves a residential fieldcourse (with a further 2 days travelling). Students will study a selection of atmospheric and ecological science topics taken from :

1. Practical weather forecasting using synoptic charts and other data.
2. Investigation of atmospheric stability, flow profiles, energy profiles, energy balance and turbulence in the surface layer.
3. Profiling of the atmosphere using radiosondes and surface measurements.
4. Examining energy balance processes and the carbon cycle
5. Profiling local ecology and links to environmental stressors

Interpretation and inter-connection of the above activities will be achieved through collection of synoptic meteorological and ecological data from the internet.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Tutorials	4	2.00	8.00
Fieldwork	1	74.00	74.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			82.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			202.00

Private study

120 hours for self-directed study, background reading, data analysis, preparing individual written report

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

he intensive in-field and in-class instruction during the fieldtrip and follow-on tutorials will be used to gauge progress. Through these contact hours, we will provide students with feedback useful for subsequent exercises. More specifically: detailed and bespoke face-to-face and written feedback will be provided by the team of instructors during the residential fieldtrip (including on the students’ in-field performance, analytical work and the group oral presentation), which will be directly useful for the subsequent summative assessment (written report). Feedback from the literature review (assessment 1) will provide directly relevant feedback for the final written report (assessment 2). Students will also have the chance to give and receive peer-to-peer feedback during the field trip group work, and during the subsequent tutorials. Attendance will be monitored to ensure engagement by students.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Literature Review	Literature Review	25.00
Report	Final written report on individual project	75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Same as the failed component.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:25:49

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD