Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module starts by looking at the different ways of viewing the world and carrying out research, through to the skills and techniques required for different forms of data collection in the natural and social sciences, and looks at ways of analysing these data. These techniques are taught within the context of carrying out a piece of work assessing an area of the university campus as might be done for professional purposes in the workplace. Students will produce an Environmental Impact Assessment for the location in question promoting the development of skills that are relevant to a range of specialist careers pathways.
Aims
This module aims to develop students knowledge by equipping them with research skills appropriate to the fields of Environmental Science, Environment and Sustainability, and Ecology and Conservation. Students will gain understanding of different epistemologies and underpinning research methodologies within the natural and social sciences. Students will gain experience in a range of natural and social science research methods, covering fieldwork and laboratory approaches, social science data collection methods, and the analysis of different data types. Students will apply this learning to research in the real world through an Environmental Impact Assessment for a case study location on the university campus.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20080/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
Practical classes 36 hoursPractical class orientation session 12 hoursPractical class preparation 12 hoursPreparation and completion of EBS report 45 hoursPreparation and completion of GIS project 25 hoursIndependent research and wider reading 20 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Project weighted 35%GIS projectCompletion of an individually-assessed GIS project relating to a series of exercises run in the
practical sessions
2: Report weighted 65%ReportAn industry standard, authentic Group Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Students will
work in small groups to produce a group report which collates, analyses and presents the data
collected in the field and in the lab during the module.