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2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE2540 Environmental Science Skills 2

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Ian Burke
Email: earitb@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2013/14

Pre-requisites

SOEE1442

Environmental Science / Meteorology and Climate Science Tuto

Module replaces

SOEE2020SOEE2031SOEE2520SOEE3160

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

Building on Level one skills module, module aims to provide all Level 2 BSc Environment students with a coherent and consistent training in practical skills and employability skills relevance to pursuing a career in the in environmental sector. This module provides students an opportunity to gain practical, hands on, experience of how environmental data is produced and interpreted. The existing 4 day compulsory fieldtrip to the Lake District is included in this module and provides a key high quality highlight teaching experience at level two. The fieldtrip will provide first hand substantive knowledge of the physical and chemical attributes of the environment at some specific locations.

The fieldwork is supported by a series of lectures on the theoretical concepts behind analysis methodologies so that students are elevated beyond 'black box' thinking and understand the fundamentals of how result are produced leading to higher level interpretation and advanced critical thinking. These will include commonly used methods for making both physical and chemical measurements in the environment, focusing on those used most widely by both industrial and regulatory bodies. Students will gain a basic understanding of measurements of chemical pollutants in water, soil and the air, covering techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography and spectroscopy. Examples of the techniques used for environmental monitoring will be presented; these include the measurement of heavy metals in the environment and CFC's and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Finally the module also includes a short course in careers and employability training to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their (improving) core skills and to practice presenting themselves in an appropriate manner to future employers Students will be able to place their professional skills development in the context of lifelong learning their personal career progression. Students will be introduced to the diversity of careers available in the environment industry and will be made aware of how to evaluate their own skills (generic and specific) and abilities for employment purposes. This module is designed to better prepare students for dissertation projects and careers that might involve laboratory analysis of environmental samples.

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;
- demonstrate field-based practical and research skills, including observation, recording, analysis and assimilation of information;
- develop additional skills such as team working, decision making, communication (Written, poster and oral), problem solving, self-management, initiative, working effectively under tight deadlines, interpersonal and professional relationships;
- demonstrate an understanding of some important chemical techniques and their application in environmental sciences;
- gain an appreciation of the precision, accuracy and uncertainty involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data;
- demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principle which underpin the array of techniques used in making environment measurements;
- gain a good understanding of measurements of trace chemical pollutants in water, soil and the air, covering techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography and spectroscopy;
- understand methods used for making physical measurements of phenomena such as temperature, water vapour and particulates in the atmosphere;
- be capable of critically appraising these analytical approaches in the application of environmental monitoring. Attention will be made to the validation of environmental measurements through sampling strategies and quality control;
- have knowledge on the use of observation exercises in career assessment;
- gain experience of completion of aptitude tests & psychometric tests, completing graduate CVs and Application Forms (including online applications) and on how to perform at graduate job interviews;
- acquire of key knowledge on a number of different types of environmental careers;
- understand the specific and generic skills that graduate employers expect from environmentalists, and understanding of the place of undergraduate studies in lifelong learning.

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, including the use of secondary data.
- 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.
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical).
- Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form.
- Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory.
- Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
- Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques.
- Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles.
- Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members.
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills).
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
- Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these role.
- Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member.
- Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development.
- 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.

Syllabus

- Advanced aspects of physical and chemical assessment of the environment using real case studies within the framework of integrated atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere contexts.
- Working safely in a laboratory.
- How to choose analysis techniques for soil, water and air samples.
- Analysis of chemical properties of water samples.
- The underlying science of analytical tools employed in environmental measurements such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry is included.
- Information systems and environmental monitoring. Measurements of physical properties of the atmosphere: temperature, water vapour, particulates and aerosol numbers.
- Guide to appropriate note taking during field and laboratory work.
- Basics of quantitative and qualitative error analysis.
- Use of quality assurance methods such as blanks, internal standards and replicate analysis.
- Limits on the interpretation of environmental data.
- How to structure a laboratory report.

- For the Career Development short course:
> Gillions Case Study (Context of environmental consideration)
> J2CO Case Study (Applications and interview techniques)
> Skills competition
> External speakers which may include: Environment Agency; Environmental Consultants; Researchers; Local Authorities; Meteorological Office; Water Industry; & Conservation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	2	1.00	2.00
Fieldwork	1	50.00	50.00
Group learning	8	1.00	8.00
Lecture	26	1.00	26.00
Private study hours			114.00
Total Contact hours			86.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Time for private reading to back up lectures and work carried out in laboratory classes, preparation of written assessments, and preparation for unseen MCQ exam.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Informal feedback during group work and fieldwork.
- 2 pieces of written work to be returned to students with feedback.
- Immediate feedback on presentation skills while on fieldwork.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Field work Assessment, Poster & Presentation	40.00
Report	Careers Action Plan 750 words	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		70.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		30.00

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: 17/06/2014

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