Module: EM7507-30 - Environmental and Research Practice

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Ian Thornhill

Module Tutor Contact Details: i.thornhill@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module

This module develops professional and research skills needed to characterise, investigate, resolve and communicate complex environmental problems.

You will develop a range of communication and people skills including: enabling behaviour change; stakeholder engagement; technical report writing; and, communicating with both specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will also gain experience of addressing potentially conflicting views on environmental issues and barriers to change. In this context you will gain an understanding of the roles of structured decision making and of expert opinion.

Technical skills developed will include the design and application of research methods through environmental surveys in differing environments, monitoring programmes and through stakeholder and participant survey and interview techniques. In addition you will develop a critical understanding of: project management; data management; statistical analysis; and, Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. Such skills will require comprehensive understanding of current environmental knowledge, research and applications, and research and professional ethics.

2. Outline syllabus

Key approaches used to identify, resolve and communicate complex environmental problems will be developed through selected case studies, readings and workshops.

Typically sessions will address the complexities of environmental problems (e.g. arising through development or conflicting demands) and the range of actors involved (and their differing perspectives); the recording, use and management of data used to inform the situation; development of technical skills in project management, data management, statistical analysis, and, GIS; drivers for change (including behaviour change) and mechanisms for achieving this; and, the role of communication and engagement in order to achieve a resolution.

A working knowledge of essential tools will be developed through formative workshop 2 exercises and assessments. Linked to these processes, you will reflect on research and professional standards and ethics, and client/employer/stakeholder expectations. The module will be delivered via a blended delivery comprising in-class sessions and online resources (via Minerva).

Formative assessments will aid your development of technical skills and contribute to your ability to undertake the summative assessments. You will be encouraged to reflect on your skill and knowledge development for professional practice.

Summative assessment comprises three items to assess capability, evaluative skills and critical understanding in: environmental investigation and research, environmental survey and monitoring; and, environmental communication. These will all require the use of standard reporting and communication methods used by environmental professionals and that can be applied to your personal area of interest or place of work.

3. Teaching and learning activities

Key approaches used to identify, investigate and communicate complex environmental problems will be developed through selected case studies, readings and workshops. Typically sessions will address the complexities of environmental problems (e.g. arising through development or exploitation) and the range of actors involved (and their differing perspectives); the recording, use and management of data used to inform the situation; development of technical skills in research, project management, data management, statistical analysis, and, GIS; drivers for change and mechanisms for achieving this; and the role of communication and engagement in order to achieve a resolution.

A working knowledge of essential tools will be developed through formative workshop exercises and assessments. Linked to these processes, you will reflect on professional standards and ethics, career development and stakeholder expectations. The module will be delivered via a blended delivery comprising in-class sessions, practical work and online resources (via Minerva).

Formative assessments will aid your development of technical skills and contribute to your ability to undertake the summative assessments. Personal Development Planning (PDP) will enable you to reflect on your skill and knowledge development for professional practice. Summative assessment comprises three items to assess skills essential to the environmental manager: environmental understanding; research methods to inform environmental understanding; and, environmental communication. These will all require the use of standard reporting and communication methods used by environmental professionals and can be adapted to apply to your personal area of interest or place of work.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Develop a methodology appropriate to addressing specific research aims and objectives , including Health and Safety or Ethical Assessment as appropriate (3000 - 5000 words)
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Design an environmental monitoring programme based on the analysis of existing data (3000 -4000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Communication piece for a non-technical audience (500 – 1000 words equivalent)
• % Weighting: 10%