Professional Practice in Environmental Science | GGES3038

Module overview

Professional Practice in Environmental Science (PPES) is a high-level practical skills-based module aimed to prepare students for the world of work and provide insight to the diverse range of environmental careers in this dynamic growth sector, and beyond. During the module students will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, increase knowledge and gain the necessary experience to help them identify and successfully pursue their chosen career paths. The module adopts an interactive approach, with an emphasis on in-class discussions, workshops, and group exercises that develop self-confidence and promote reflective practice. It draws upon the experiences of industry experts from a variety of external environmental organisations, providing students with a first-hand account of the broad range of environmental career opportunities available to them. This also allows students the opportunity to develop connections and grow their professional networks to enhance future employment prospects. An integral component of the module is the completion of a work-based environmental placement. The placement is an effective way for students to gain experience in the environmental sector, enhance their CV and provide a solid foundation for future career development as well as open doors to future employment opportunities. This also helps to further develop the technical knowledge and soft skills that are widely applicable in the workplace and are valued by employers. The module assessment is drawn from the completion of an individual reflective portfolio based on their placement and the in-class/workshop activities.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Plan, execute, and present a professional project independently, following appropriate guidance and feedback.
Critically assess academic resources (e.g., literature, data, and other sources of information) to help identify and inform opportunities for professional development and inform decision-making.
Identify and define complex workplace challenges and develop, evaluate, and implement effective solutions.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Confidently and effectively articulate and present arguments to communicate effectively in a professional context.
Have strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively in a professional environment.
Recognise and appreciate diverse perspectives to foster inclusive and effective professional/personal interactions.
Develop and enhance leadership qualities to effectively guide individuals and teams.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively both remotely and in-person within a professional setting.
Communicate effectively in a professional manner with a variety of audiences using a range of different formats.
Collaborate effectively as a team member to achieve shared goals.

Knowledge and Understanding

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

Critically analyse, synthesise, and summarise information to help make informed decisions and provide effective solutions in a professional context.
Evaluate and integrate evidence from diverse sources to support decision-making and problem-solving.
Apply knowledge and understanding of employability-focused theories, frameworks, concepts, and principles to enhance career readiness and professional development.
Analyse and evaluate issues from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective to develop suitable solutions.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Cultivate self-directed learning skills to support continuous professional development.
Demonstrate an appreciation of developing graduate employability skills relevant to respective career pathway.
Reflect on your learning journey to assess personal strengths and identify areas for professional development.
Communicate effectively in a professional manner with a variety of audiences using a range of different formats.
Have strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively in professional team environments.

Syllabus

Professional Practice in Environmental Science (PPES) is a high-level practical skills-based module aimed to prepare students for the world of work and provide insight to the diverse range of environmental careers in this dynamic growth sector, and beyond. During the module students will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, increase knowledge and gain the necessary experience to help them identify and successfully pursue their chosen career paths. The module is spread over two semesters and includes a student placement of 10 days. Module content will be delivered by lecture and workshop sessions, with an emphasis on student discussion, group exercises and individual activities. Students are required to participate and engage in discussions and workshops as part of the module learning objectives. Lectures will be delivered by the module lead and external experts from across the environmental sector. Typical Weekly Timetable – subject to change based on availability of external guest speakers Semester 1 •Week 1 - Module introduction. •Week 2 - Professional skills development. •Week 3 - Careers in Environmental Science. •Weeks 4 to 6 - Placement progress and Professional skills development. •Week 10 - Placement updates. Semester 2 •Week 1 - Placement updates / assignment introduction. •Week 2 to 4 - Professional skills development. •Week 9 (pre-Easter) - Post-placement review/feedback and assignment brief/review. •Week 13 (post-Easter) - Assignment clinic.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures / workshops Careers talks / networking

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	12
Work based learning	75
Completion of assessment task	53
Total study time	140

Assessment

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%