This module develops students' understanding and appreciation of Marine Biology and Ocean and Climate Sciences as contemporary academic disciplines. This module will develop students' subject-specific research and employability skills through the following specific aims:

Develop capacity to conduct independent research projects, through training in research methods, data analysis and transferable skills.

Develop students' skills in critical thinking and writing in order to prepare students for subsequent years of study.

Develop students' awareness of careers and employability. Enabling students to plan for future careers and enhance employability.

(LO1) Build knowledge of the fields of marine biology, ocean and climate sciences

(LO2) Develop experience in analysing scientific data, creating professional quality display items and writing a report in a scientific format and style.

(LO3) Demonstrate an understanding of how to evaluate scientific literature

(LO4) Develop and improve personal employability skills

(LO5) Enhance ability to write reports and essays in a technical scientific style

Semester One
Students will conduct a research project and receive guidance on the research project through e-lectures, e-workshops and tutorials. There will be support for this research project available on the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). Students will be directed to relevant reading materials through the VLE. Students are required to complete the 'homework' tasks assessed before tutorials/e-workshops and these are indicated in the schedule. There will also be reminders on the VLE.

Lectures/Workshops include topics such as:
Overview of different types of research project
Introduction to the research project
Health and safety in the field
How to write a scientific report
Data analysis
Peer Review

Semester Two
Students will conduct a literature review essay and receive guidance on this through e-lectures and tutorials. Students will be directed to relevant reading materials through the VLE. Students are required to compl ete the 'homework' tasks assessed before tutorials and these are indicated in the schedule. There will also be reminders on the VLE. Students will also have e-lectures related to careers and employability and are expected to participate in the SOES careers week. Students should build a careers e-portfolio. Students will participate in an assessment centre experience and complete a video interview and guidance will be given by the careers service via e-lectures.

Lectures/Workshops include topics such as:
Making job applications
Evaluating and critiquing the scientific literature
Use of bibliographic software
Importance of networking and social media profiles
Careers networking event with potential employers
Job interview assessment centre experience
Video Interviews

The definitive timetable for all sessions will be on the VLE and ORBIT.

Learning Methods:
Students will be expected to spend a significant proportion of their study time in self-directed learning, using the materials delivered through the teaching methods below and resources on the VLE, which they will be directed towards using a blended learning approach.
E-portfolio - students will be guided to online tools to develop an online careers portfolio making use of the skills they learn in the careers e-lectures and during SOES careers week. Students will receive support from academic and careers service staff in addition to careers service coaches.

Teaching Method 1 - E-Lectures
These will be used to deliver material throughout the module.
E-Lectures will be delivered by academic staff and the careers and employability service staff. Students should watch these in their own time and follow the weekly schedule.
Attendance recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 -Online Workshops and formative feedback
Workshops will encourage ac tive learning with students' participating in activities e.g. data analysis, peer review, searching the literature and using bibliographic software. Students will also take part in online peer-review discussions guided by academics.
Attendance recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3: Tutorials
Tutorials will provide instruction and support from tutors. There will be 9 tutorials in total over the academic year, this includes a 1-1 meeting during each semester.
Attendance recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 4: Enquiry based learning
During semesters 1 and 2, students should be carrying out enquiry based learning whilst researching for their reports and literature reviews using bibliographic software.

Teaching Method 5: Field work
During semester 1 students (C16 and C1F7) will go on a local fieldwork trip to collect data for their research project. In the case of a lockdown data will be provided for the research projects.

In Semester 2 students will h ave the opportunity to participate in SOES careers week, and research careers of previous graduates using networking software.