School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-20033 Research Skills in Environment and Sustainability  
Co-ordinator: Dr Alix Cage   Tel:33177  
Teaching Team: Mrs Stephanie  Everill, Ms Julie  Beard, Dr Katie  Szkornik, Mrs Emma  Harvey, Mrs Karen  Babb, Dr Alix  Cage, Miss Lianne  Berry, Ms Clare  Sillitto,  Anthony  Gallagher  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
Progression to Level II BSc Environment and Sustainability

Barred Combinations
Only available for students studying BSc Environment and Sustainability

Description

This module features a ~week-long residential fieldcourse to Northern Scotland to highlight the 'real world' applications of theoretical knowledge and understanding covered during the first 2 years of the Environment and Sustainability course, and to develop skills and techniques in field data collection. Throughout the semster there will be a series of workshops aimed at preparing students for the fieldcourse and providing training in research design in order to support students in the development of their third year independent project work.
Aims
This module aims to provide training in research methodologies appropriate for an interdisciplinary degree in Environment and Sustainability, therefore preparing students for their 3rd year independent project work. Through a ~week-long residential fieldcourse students will gain experience in a range of field methodologies in addition to the 'real world' application of the theory covered throughout years 1 and 2.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Design a piece of research achievable as a 3rd year dissertation project and applicable to the field of environment and sustainability, showing an ability to synthesize the research literature and select appropriate techniques for data collection and analysis will be achieved by assessments: 2
Research an environmental issue relating to a specific geographical area, utilising a wide range of different sources and synthesise and present this as an oral presentation will be achieved by assessments: 3
Demonstrate an awareness of, and ability to apply, appropriate techniques and methodologies within the context of environment and sustainability field data collection will be achieved by assessments: 1
Apply theoretical knowledge and understanding of environment and sustainability issues to specific geographical and environmental contexts. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Study hours
60 hours residential fieldcourse
20 hours workshops
40 hours course work preparation
30 hours fieldcourse preparation
Description of Module Assessment
01: Portfolio weighted 60%
Portfolio of exercises carried out as part of the residential fiedcourse
02: Research Proposal weighted 20% (min pass mark of 40)
Research proposal aimed at developing research plans for third year dissertation project
03: Group Presentation weighted 20%
Group presentation on aspect of fieldcourse itinerary
Groups research and present on a theme covered during the fieldcourse
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.