Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title RESEARCH SKILLS (GEOSCIENCES)
Code ENVS200
Coordinator Dr CH Jeffery
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Chj@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

This module aims to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the Geosciences as a contemporary academic discipline with applications in the real world;
to develop students' skills of critical analysis and academic writing;  to support students' preparation for individual research projects;
to develop students' study and personal transferable skills;
to develop students' awareness of careers and employability.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Identify a research problem or subject and design an appropriate research strategy.

(LO2) Write a report in an academic style (technical English) with appropriate illustrations, citations and references.

(LO3) Make an oral presentation to a small group  on a researched topic involving geology and ethics.

(LO4) Develop employability skills through attending careers sessions.

(LO5) Be competetent in advanced use of word processing, bibliographic and drawing software for production of research reports and final geological maps.

(LO6) Demonstrate competence in identifying hazards and risks associated with a future field-based independent project.

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Personal action planning

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - visual

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Report writing

(S7) Time and project management - Personal action planning

(S8) Time and project management - Project planning

(S9) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S10) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S11) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S12) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S13) Information skills - Critical reading

(S14) Global citizenship - Ethical awareness


Syllabus

 

The syllabus provides Geoscience students with the research skills they will need to complete Year Three and/or Year Four independent research projects. The syllabus is delivered via a lecture/workshop series comprising core components (eg use of EndNote for bibliographies), as well as sessions specifically targeted for Geoscience students (eg use of GIS, stereonet and vector-based drawing software) and eight tutorial sessions. The tutorials provide the learning environment for PDP/employability, for setting, supervising and marking assessment tasks, and for facilitating general discussions. The definitive timetable for these sessions will be in VITAL and ORBIT. All students must attend the core activities.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to introduce skills required for research and employability
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Some lecture sessions include workshop elements and may last 2 hours.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Small group sessions to develop skills and provide feedback
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Normally run 3 times per semester, plus PDP.

Teaching Method 3 - Workshop
Description: Workshops to develop skills required for research and employability
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Use of EndNote, Corel Draw, GIS and orientation data plotting software; employability.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 10

8

8

    12

38
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 112
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Geological Report based on fieldclass data. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :seme  6 - 8 pages includin    40       
Gantt chart detailing plan for field dissertation project There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedul  Single Gantt Chart    10       
Oral presentation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  10 minute oral prese    25       
Final Map Poster There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  A4 colour poster    25       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.