This module aims to prepare students for life after graduation with an M Level qualification, as they continue their careers in research and/or industry. Students will become familiar with the latest developments in understanding, application and commmunication of contemporary marine biology topics, as well as strengthening their own core skills.

(L7-1) Build an up to date understanding of the status of the field of marine biology.

(L7-2) Experience and understand the grant writing and assessment process.

(L7-3) Build in-depth knowledge on specific topics of interest to each student.

(L7-4) Improved formal and informal communication and organisational skills

This module will build on content, study skills and career development introduced in ENVS104 (Y1), ENVS204 (Y2) & ENVS301 (Y3). Delivery is via a blended approach with the VLE setting the structure of weekly tasks to complete. Key events are weekly tutorials (120 mins) alternating between tutor and student led.

Semester One focusses on critical review, different aspects of marine biology, who does marine biology in the UK, how it is funded and where ideas, motivation and justification for marine science come from.

Semester Two focusses on developing an idea for a grant proposal in detail followed by a focuse on communication of science to broader audiences.

Throughout the module, all activities are tied directly into the kinds of organsations that employ marine biologists, the kinds of roles that those individuals fulfill and the kind of skills that they need.

Students also have one-to-one personal development meetings with the tutor in each semester, wit h a focus on next steps after graduation.

Activities in this module are delivered by the VLE and weekly timetabled small group tutorials.

As an advanced (Y4) module, a high level of input and independence is expected of students, with expectations discussed and agreed in the initial tutorial. Teamwork and group work is a key element of all activities and collaboration among students and between students and staff is built into all module activities. Students provide and receive peer feedback as they complete authentic tasks such as critical review and project development. Research and active learning is built into the module as students critique the research of others and develop their own research ideas and interests through the programme of activities. Communication skills are continually developed across a range of different media and formats as students transition from the world of study to the world of work. Finally the syllabus is flexible and incorporates student input on topics and issues to be discussed, expl ored and developed.