University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJFD-10-1 Title: ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD COURSE

Version: 2

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 10 ECTS credit rating: 5

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: October 2003 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

      • Describe, for the case studies considered, the range of factors which affect human health and/or the environment in the field.

      • Record data in the field, present these data in simple graphical forms, and interpret their significance.

      • Communicate their findings in a variety of ways.

      • Understand the importance of assessing the health and safety implications of a range of fieldwork activities.

Syllabus outline:

Field investigation of a range of environmental/health issues in a local and regional context. Activites may include: field monitoring of air, soil or water quality; investigating the impacts of human activities (e.g. industry, tourism) on local environments through site visits and surveys.

Invesitgations into the factors that affect the distribution of a group of living organisms.

Teaching and learning methods:

This module is based on a residential fieldtrip of 3-4 days duration. Emphasis will be placed on the development of team-working skills through groupwork. Basic practical field-work skills will be developed through field investigations. Expert opinion will be accessed via site visits (e.g. to industrial sites, information resources). Support material such as videos, relevant texts, internet resources, will be available for use both in formal and informal sessions.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Jones, A. and others (2000) Practical Skills in Environmental Science. Prentice Hall.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50 %

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

OP1

Individual Presentation based on a specific element of fieldwork

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

PORT

Fieldwork Portfolio

1

   

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) No

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

OP1

Presentation based on a specific element of fieldwork

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

WR1

Report on a specified element of fieldwork (up to 1500 words)

1

     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. Yes

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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