Environmental Field Techniques and Applications

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
• Collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
• Recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct
• Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources, for example, the different value sets relating to the Earth's resources as commodities and/or heritage
• The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
• Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
• The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
• The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
• The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
• The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
• The applicability of environmental science to the world of work

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
• Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
• Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
• Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
• Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
• Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
• Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
• Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
• Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
• Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
• Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages including geographic information systems
• Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
• Referencing work in an appropriate manner
• Undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders
• Collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory

This module applies and develops the field and statistical skills covered in other core Environmental Science modules. Working in groups, you will gain experience in developing ideas and questions into well-designed, feasible environmental science research projects. The first part of the module and trip will guide you through this process in a range of environmental topics such as ecology, forestry, river and coast management, and human impacts on the natural environment (note: exact content covered may vary). During the latter part of the trip you will design and implement your own group research project related to a topic of your choosing. You will work as a group to collect your data; the analysis and write up will be an individual exercise.

The module includes a significant amount of fieldwork, supported by introductory lectures. You will also have the opportunity to attend planning, analysis and write-up workshops. In addition, students will undertake self-directed learning and private study to complement the practical and taught material.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.