Work-Based Learning

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

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
• 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 applicability of environmental science to the world of work
• 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
• 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

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
• Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
• Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
• 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
• 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
• Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
• Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
• Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
• Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Referencing work in an appropriate manner
• Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data

This unit does not have a prescribed syllabus. The learning experience is delivered via a student undertaking a period of work alongside professional environmental practitioner in a named workplace. At unit launch, early in semester 2 of year 3, the aims, objectives, principles and expectations of the Work Based Unit will be presented to the entire group. Once complete the Unit Co-ordinator will organise a series of one-to-one seminars with individual students in order to specify a programme of study within the unit appropriate to the needs of the individual. The course will be delivered by the Unit Co-ordinator in close collaboration with a named Supervisor from the organisation in which the student is placed. The programme of work for each placement will be agreed jointly by the Unit Coordinator and the external host prior to commencement of the placement. Self-motivated learning will be encouraged throughout the placement. The student and all staff involved in supervision will be made aware of the remit of the unit and expectations of the student by provision of a detailed course handbook.

This unit will be delivered via personal involvement and time spent in a named work placement. Prior to placement students will attend one-to-one seminar series throughout semester 2 of their 3 rd year. Planning, involving the student and named supervisor representing the placement organisation will centre on:

• Assessing student strengths and weaknesses in relation to planned work during the placement.
• Defining a series of aims and objectives linked to the work to be undertaken whilst at the placement so as to enable the student to reflect on their personal development.
• Planning for the Placement Project, a core component of assessment, by considering aims, objectives, embedding skills and dissemination of results.
• Reviewing Risk and preparing a detailed Risk assessment in conjunction with the placement organisation.
• Assessing the main components of an effective Curriculum Vitae and the compilation of a Pre-placement CV.
• A consideration of appropriate approaches and formats to a job application.
• An assessment of work practices, and ethics.
• A review of interpersonal skills in the work place.
• Reviewing individual presentation skills.

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.