The aim of this module is to enhance generic and specific skills that are expected from ocean scientists. Specific skills include the use of software for the visualisation of spatial and temporal variation of various oceanographic parameters (e.g. salinity, nutrient concentrations) and the development of practical skills, which consists in the use and/or understanding of specific analytical methods (e.g. determination of oxygen) and specialised oceanographic instruments. Generic skills include science communication (oral, written and visual), team work, time management and an understanding of the concept of academic integrity.

(LO1) Learn how to use a reference software, make a literature search and reference correctly

(LO2) Quantitatively summarise, synthesise and interpret data collected during fieldwork

(LO3) Present scientific content effectively through oral, written and/or poster communications

(LO4) Understand the analytical procedure for the determination of important analytes (e.g. oxygen, nutrients)

(LO5) Learn how to use ODV (Ocean Data View software) to visualise spatial variations of oceanographic parameters

(S1) Numeracy/computational skills - Confidence/competence in measuring and using numbers

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

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

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

Semester 1: development of writing skills and presentation of scientific content with how to perform a literature search using Web of Science, and how to use a reference software (Endnote, Mendeley), understanding the University's policy on academic integrity; Development of presentation skills through summative group oral presentations (design of a video) and introduction to an oceanographic visualisation tool (ODV: Ocean Data View). Development of teamwork and time management. Tutor/tutees meetings every 2 weeks.

Semester 2: Local fieldwork around Formby-Southport area (north of Liverpool) will be run followed by production and presentation of a poster; development of analytical skills during practical sessions in the laboratory (or on-line if in-persons sessions are not possible) followed by the writing of short experimental reports.
Tutor/tutees meetings every 2 weeks.

Teaching Method 1 - eLectures
Description: Lectures to develop generic skills (e.g. referencing, literature search,academic integrity ) and to develop specific knowledge of the marine system (e.g. what is seawater, basics to calculate concentrations, to scale the oceans).

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Biweekly (every 2 weeks) meeting between an individual tutor and typically 6-7 students. These meeting will take place either in persons or on-line.

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: Fieldwork activities to take place (if possible) locally in the Formby-Ainsdale-Southport area, which is a beautiful area, north of Liverpool. Easy access by train.

Teaching Method 4 - Practical
Description: Laboratory sessions for analytical determination of important analytes will be carried out in person in the Central Teaching Laboratory (CTL); Use of ODV (Ocean Data View) will be done in persons in a computer room or on-line. If in-perso ns sessions cannot be achieved, all materials will be provided to be run on-line so that experimental reports can still be produced.

Teaching method 5: Workshops. Workshops will be run to support the lectures on e.g. how to calculate concentrations, how to scale the oceans, how to use ODV, etc...

Teaching method 6: Peer Learning. Students will have the opportunity to watch videos produced by fellow students, to comment on them and provide informal feedback. Individual posters will also be presented to the all cohort.

Teaching method 7: Quiz. 2 quizzes will be run, one at the end of each semester.