Module: BIO5009-20 Research Skills for Environmental Science

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matthew Baker

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.baker@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This team-taught module is designed to develop the skills and techniques required to undertake primary and secondary scientific research. There is a strong emphasis on employability as these skills are essential in a broad range of careers that involve gathering, analysing and communicating information. The topics covered include critical evaluation of scientific literature, research design, project proposal preparation and appropriate presentation of scientific findings.

2. Outline syllabus

You will attend one two hour session each week; contact time will include a mix of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and techniques-based equipment demonstrations. In addition, there will be an intensive, week long period of practical work to investigate an appropriate scientific topic.

Information provided in lectures will be further explored in workshops and seminars and is directly related to assignments. Seminars and practical workshops will be staff-led but requiring student contributions based on directed study.

The research project is undertaken in small group (4-5 people) and will enable you to develop your skills in planning and undertaking research, analytical and critical thinking, data analysis and statistics. With this regard, it will greatly enhance your employability, and will also form the basis for your 3rd Year Dissertation, to which, this module is directly related.

Minerva will provide you with information that will help you develop an appreciation of the broader scientific and technological aspects which underpin this subject area and develop skills in independent learning.

3. Teaching and learning activities

The student can tailor this module to focus on their preferred areas of scientific research. Lectures form the foundation for the core skills required, whilst a range of complementary practical workshops and techniques-based equipment demonstrations allow the student to build the most appropriate skill set to match their preferred area of interest.

The module is supported by online materials (hosted on Minerva), such as screen casts, online tutorials, relevant journal articles, computer software and other documents. Several of the areas of research covered by this module will also be supported by an employability session.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Group poster presentation

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: 3000 word individual write-up of campus project (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%