University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: USSJPN-20-1 Title: Field Skills Version: 1

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Natural and Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

    • describe, for the field studies considered, the range of factors which affect the environment;

    • understand the importance of assessing the health and safety implications of a range of fieldwork activities;

    • record data in the field, present, analyse and interpret these data using appropriate mathematical, statistical and communication skills;

    • understand the need for developing key graduate skills in addition to subject based proficiency;

    • use resources that will support their research, problem solving and study skills throughout their undergraduate course.

Syllabus outline:

This is a skills based module and aims to support and enhance the development of both subject-based and generic key skills. Specifically this module will introduce the following;

Field skills

Principles of fieldwork, sampling methodologies and monitoring. Investigation of a range of environmental issues in a local and regional context. Activities may include: field monitoring of air, soil or water quality; investigating the impacts of human activities (e.g. industry, tourism) on urban and rural environments through site visits and surveys; investigations into the factors that affect the distribution of living organisms.

Study skills

Transition to university, expectations, requirements and support. Introduction to study skills and generic graduate, skills. Proficiency and careers within the environmental sector. The evaluation of skills and planning personal development. Activities may include: academic reading; literature and information searching; scientific writing; referencing & plagiarism; presentation skills; time management; understanding and using feedback; formative assessment and feedback from staff and peers; revision techniques and exam preparation; self evaluation and reflection; planning ahead.

Analytical skills

Introduction to hypothesis testing. Testing of hypotheses and making decisions, for example the use of t-tests and Chi-squared test. Appreciation of variability in scientific data and experimental uncertainty. Examining linear relationships and rates of change. Examining Binomial and Poisson distributions. Recording, presenting, analysing and interpreting scientific data using IT packages such as Excel & Minitab.

Teaching and learning methods:

This is a module about developing skills and so a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed. The module will be delivered using a mixture of whole group and small tutorial group sessions. Students will be allocated to a Study Skills Tutor group where a member of staff will facilitate personal, group and peer assisted learning of key skills. This will encompass the university wide Graduate Development Programme. The module includes a residential fieldtrip of 3-5 days duration where emphasis will be placed on the understanding the theory behind fieldwork and developing practical hands on skills in field techniques. Team-working skills will be promoted through groupwork. Expert opinion will be accessed via site visits (e.g. to industrial sites, information resources). Support material such as DVDs, relevant texts, internet and electronic resources, will be available for use both in formal and informal sessions.

Support for student learning in Analytical skills will be given through weekly lectures/tutorials which will be integrated with the self-assessment tests to ensure focussed help can be given to those students who need help in the particular areas. Students will develop IT and data analysis skills through computer-based workshops. Resources for Analytical Skills also include direct tutorial material, and references to published material, software, internet and intranet resources. Where possible, the statistical topics are presented and tested in the context of environmental issues.

Student learning will be supported through the University's E-Learning Environment, Blackboard.

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 Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Reading List

Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for success, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

Currell, G. & Dowman, A. (2005) Mathematics and Statistics for Science, John Wiley & Son.

    Students will use a dedicated website associated with this text, which gives access to additional learning resources including video feedback.

Dytham, C. (2002). Choosing and Using Statistics, Blackwell, Oxford.

Goudie, A. (2006) Human Impact on the Natural Environment, Blackwell, Oxford.

Henderson, P.A. (2003). Practical Methods in Ecology, Blackwell, Oxford.

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

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 30% B: 70%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Element weighting

PORT1 Individual Study Skills Portfolio 1

Component B

Element weighting

PR1 Field Skills Report 3

PORT2 Field and Analytical Skills Portfolio 4

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/ is not required)

Component A

Element weighting

PORT1 Individual Study Skills Portfolio 1

Component B

Element weighting

PORT2 Field and Analytical Skills Portfolio 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

Academic Registry

October 2005

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