2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE2701 Fieldwork and Tutorials 2

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Prof Martyn Chipperfield
Email: m.chipperfield@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisites

SOEE1444

Fieldwork and Tutorials 1

Module replaces

SOEE2700. Note: SOEE2700 has been partly replaced by this module. Components of SOEE2700 have also been placed in two other modules: SOEE2800 has taken the environmental measurements component and SOEE2810 has taken the statistics component.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module aims to provide careers guidance, dissertation preparation and fieldwork experience. It builds on field and transferable skills training from Level 1 and, alongside SOEE2800 Environmental Measurements and SOEE2810 Data Analysis and Visualisation, provides the necessary preparation for students to undertake independent research activity in Level 3 and in their future employment.

Objectives

Building on skills developed at Level 1, this module aims to provide all Level 2 BSc Environmental Science students with a coherent and consistent training in skills needed for research project writing, as well as skills in employability relevant to pursuing a career in the in the environmental sector or with general graduate employers. A compulsory fieldtrip is included in this module and provides an important high quality, hands-on learning experience in this regard. The fieldtrip will provide first-hand substantive knowledge of the physical, chemical and ecological attributes of the environment at some specific locations.
The module provides the opportunity to undertake a research project based on a specified topic in environmental science. This activity will guide the students through all the steps needed to successfully complete a piece of novel research, preparing the students for their independent research dissertation in Level 3. This will be achieved via guided sessions on how to undertake a detailed literature review, research design and topic identification, health and safety, and report writing. Students will also be given guidance on selecting a topic for their Level 3 research dissertation.
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 practise 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 for 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.

Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate research and field-based practical skills, including observation, recording, analysis and assimilation of information.
2. Develop additional skills such as team working, decision making, communication, problem solving, self-management, initiative, working effectively under tight deadlines, interpersonal and professional relationships.
3. Formulate a research question and plan in the context of their individual research project.
4. Understand how to write a stand-alone research report based on analysis of secondary or primary data.
5. Gain experience of completion of aptitude tests and psychometric tests, completing graduate CVs and application forms (including online applications) and on how to perform at graduate job interviews.
6. Acquire 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.
- 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.
- 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 (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical).
- Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form.
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills).
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
- 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

Introduction to the research process: philosophies, design, methods and tools.
Background and practical experience of different stages of a research project including research design; literature survey skills; research report writing guidance.
Data collection in the field.
Data analysis.
Guidance on research proposal stages of topic identification, literature review and research project proposal writing, including health and safety issues.

For the Career Development short course:
- The importance of work experience and networking
- Skills and external speakers from industry (alumni)
- Applications, CVs and covering letters
- Interview preparation and mock interview
- Leeds for Life
- Social media and careers (LinkedIn)
- Applications and interviews
The external speakers may include: Environment Agency; Environmental Consultants; Researchers; Local Authorities; Met Office; Water Industry; Conservation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	8	2.00	16.00
Fieldwork	1	60.00	60.00
Lecture	4	1.00	4.00
Tutorial	3	1.00	3.00
Independent online learning hours			17.00
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			83.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- Preparation for fieldwork and writing fieldwork log.
- Preparation for tutorials and writing mini dissertation.
- Preparation of CV and other careers material.
- Independent reading.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be given on the 1000-word dissertation outline, this will give students the opportunity to make necessary adjustments to their plans for their final-year dissertation.
There will be no formalised assessment associated with the field class, and all feedback and assessment on the field class will be formative. The field class will then be followed by a reflective log which will aim to allow the students to review the practicalities, risks and professionalism necessary to conduct themselves appropriately in the field.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Dissertation outline 1000 words	0.00
Report	Mini Dissertation (2500 words)	50.00
Report	750-word Careers Action Plan	15.00
Reflective log	1000-word fieldwork log	35.00
Oral Presentation	Submit a graduate/placement/intern job description along with CV, covering letter for a 30-minute mock interview	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

If a student fails the module overall, he/she will be required to resit necessary individual failed components (by repeating same or alternative assessment) in order to achieve an overall pass.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/12/2023

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