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

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

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 literature review essay and receive guidance on this through lectures (asynchronous) and tutorials (synchronous). Students will be directed to relevant reading materials through the VLE. Students are required to complete the 'homework' tasks assessed before tutorials and these are indicated in the schedule. There will also be reminders on the VLE.

Students will being to learn about the process of scientific research and conducting a research project. They will begin to analyse an example scientific data set and will be supported through workshops and tutorials (synchronous). Students will be directed to relevant reading materials through the VLE. Students are required to complete the 'homework' tasks assessed before tutorials/workshops and these are indicated in the schedule. There will also be reminders on the VLE.

Lectures/Workshops include topics such as:
Evaluating and critiquing the scientific liter ature
Use of bibliographic software
Overview of different types of research project
Introduction to the research project
Framing your research question

Semester Two
Students will continue to work on their research project from S1 and receive guidance on the research project through lectures (asynchronous), workshops (synchronous) and tutorials (synchronous). There will be support for this research project available on the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).

Students will also have lectures (asynchronous) and workshops (synchronous) 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 lectures.

Lectures/Workshops include topics such as:
Data analysis
How to write a scientific report
Peer Review
Making jo b applications
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.

This module uses a blended approach towards teaching and learning, split between in person workshops and tutorials and directed online learning via the VLE. Students will be taught by academics and staff from the careers and employability team. This ensures that students will meet the intended learning outcomes and develop their research and employability skill set.

The main forms of teaching delivery used in this module are tutorials and workshops. Workshops will encourage active 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 peer-review discussions guided by academics, which will form part of the formative feedback. Tutorials will provide instruction and support from tutors in small groups. There will also be the opportunity to have a 1-1 meeting with your tutor during each semester. The VLE will be used to deliver short asynchronous lectures durin g the year e.g. how to write a research report. Students can ask any questions about these lectures using discussion boards or in workshops and tutorials. Students will be directed to the material on the VLE week by week.

Students will employ a variety of learning strategies through this module. Students will have the opportunity to learn collaboratively during the workshops, specifically in the peer review workshops. In addition to attending in person workshops and tutorials, students will be expected to spend a significant proportion of their study time in self-directed learning, using the materials delivered through the teaching and recommended reading found on readinglists@Liverpool. Through the course of the year students should be carrying out enquiry based learning whilst conducting research for their reports and literature reviews. Students will also be directed towards online careers and employability software to develop an online careers portfolio. Students will have t he opportunity to participate in SOES careers week, and research careers of previous graduates using networking software.