Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Study Skills and GIS (Earth Science)
Code ENVS101
Coordinator Professor RH Worden
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
R.Worden@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

This module aims to develop essential study and disciplinary skills required by Earth Scientists, both for their current studies and future employment.

It introduces students to key approaches/concepts and ideas in the Earth Sciences.

The module seeks to help students identify and effectively employ appropriate sources of data and information.

The module inroduces students to the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to Environmental Science and introduces students to computer programming.

Develop students' personal and transferable skills.

An overarching aim is to develop students' study skills and provide essential training for subsequent years

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Record field observations and ideas, and write a reflective account.

(LO2) Plan and structure written work to University standard.

(LO3) Demonstrate basic GIS interpretation and analysis techniques.

(LO4) Use IT tools to find accurate and up to date information, including University Library resources.

(LO5) Develop programming skills for use in later modules.

(LO6) Develop employability skills through a CV and application letter exercise.

(LO7) Develop ability to communicate science in a small group.

(LO8) Demonstrate understanding of UoL Academic Integrity policy.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Communicating for audience

(S3) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S7) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S8) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S9) IT skills in use of Microsoft software and in computer programming.

Syllabus
 

Day field class to area of local geological interest.

Workshops covering:
GIS
MS Word
MS Excel
Programming
3D visualisation

Lectures covering:
Academic integrity
Information literacy
Essay writing
Revision and exam techniques
CV and cover letters

Tutorials to support learning.

Attend 8+ seminars/department talks .

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures cover generic topics like Academic Integrity, employability, 2D/3D visualization, introduce field day.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Attendance at departmental or Herdman Society talks/Symposium or Liverpool Geological Society
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students are required to attend 8 hours of seminars/departmental talks. These contribute to an extracurricular HEAR activity.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 8

Teaching Method 3 - Tutorial
Description: Groups of ~8 students
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: One of the sessions in each semester is PDP.

Teaching Method 4 - Practical Work
Description: Development of practical skills in the use of: GIS (8 hours); Microsoft Office (Word and Excel, 4 hours); programming (8 hours);
Attendance Recorded: Yes< /p>

Teaching Method 5 - Field Work
Description: One day field visit early in Semester 1 - all travel costs covered by UoL
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

   8

   8

 20

 48
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
GIS Practical There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1 - dates fixed in ENVS  0    12       
Undertake field work in the first semester. Record information in the field under guidance from academic staff. Write a reflective account (in a formatively assessed essay) of the field work, supple  0    0       
GIS practical  0    13       
Excel A4 Poster (submitted as an Excel file) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semeste  0    20       
CV/Letter There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  0    15       
Computer code (plus explanatory notes) and resulting figures. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment S  0    20       
Essay, with guidance on referencing, structuring essays, and formal scientific writing. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous   0    20       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.