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, temperature, density, 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 bibliographic 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 in groups of 6-7 students and one one-to-one meeting towards the end of the semester;

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 in groups of 6-7 students and on e one-to-one meeting.

Lectures to develop generic skills (e.g. referencing, literature search, academic integrity) and to develop specific knowledge of the marine system (e.g. what the composition of seawater is, its properties, basics to perform calculations of concentrations or biological production);

Tutorials: Biweekly (every 2 weeks) meeting between an individual tutor and typically 6-7 students. These are discussion based sessions to provide specific help and enhance communication skills;

Field Work: 1 day fieldwork that will take place locally (Liverpool - Formby - Ainsdale -Southport);

Laboratory work: Practical sessions in the chemical determination of various analytes: These are 4 x 3h laboratory sessions for analytical determination of various analytes (e.g. oxygen, chlorophyll, nutrients);

Computing workshops: 4 x 2h practical sessions on how to use ODV (Ocean Data View) for the visualisation of oceanographic parameters. 2 x 1h workshop for practice in referencin g and literature search.

Peer Learning. Students will have the opportunity to watch videos produced by fellow students, to provide informal constructive feedback. Individual posters will also be presented to the all cohort in a conference like format.