ESC-20146 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Enhance your employability with this hands-on module. You will acquire the specialist field, laboratory, social survey and computer-based research skills required to work in the consultancy, governmental or charity sector. These skills are attained by completing an Environmental and Sustainability Impact Assessment on Keele campus. By completing the module, you will gain the research, fieldwork and data analysis skills required to conduct your third-year research project.

The module aims to develop student’s fieldwork research skills applicable to the fields of geography, environmental science, sustainability and ecology and conservation. It builds upon concepts and techniques introduced in the Level 4 practical programme and provides a portfolio of skills applicable to Level 6 independent research projects. Students will gain experience of planning and executing fieldwork research in a real-world setting using appropriate techniques and skills – and an assessment of their effectiveness - via practical classes. Students will learn how to communicate the research process, including research design, research strategy, research methods (for example, field sampling, surveys, interviews and focus groups), data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation through carrying out an Environment and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) in relation to a defined topic. In turn, they will use and apply this knowledge to develop their own dissertation proposal.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically reflect on the value of a range of specialist geographical techniques (including surveys, interviews and focus groups, laboratory and computer-based) to collect, analyse, evaluate, interpret and present a range of primary and secondary data: 1
evaluate and apply these techniques in a problem-solving context and report the key findings in a written format: 1
articulate a research question and write achievable, clear, aims, objectives and hypotheses: 2
design and evaluate the relevance of an appropriate research strategy conducive to the student's programme of study - geography, environmental science, ecology and conservation or environment and sustainability: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
SEM1:
Practical classes and lectures: 36 hours
SEM2:
Practical classes and lectures: 23 hours
Meetings with dissertation supervisors: 3 hours
Independent study:
Preparation and completion of Impact Assessment report: 100 hours
Preparation and completion of Dissertation Proposal: 60 hours
Independent research and wider reading: 78 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment