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 Research Skills (Earth Science)
Code ENVS200
Coordinator Dr CH Jeffery
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Chj@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

This module aims:
- to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the Earth Sciences as a contemporary academic discipline with applications in the real world;
- to develop students' skills of critical analysis and academic writing;
- to support students' preparation for individual research projects;
- to develop students' study and personal transferable skills;
- to develop students' awareness of careers and employability.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On successful completion of this module, students will be identify a research problem or subject and design an appropriate research strategy.

(LO2) On successful completion of this module, students will be able to present, analyse and evaluate data in a written report or literature review.

(LO3) On successful completion of this module, students will be able to deliver an oral presentation on a researched topic involving geology and ethics.

(LO4) On successful completion of this module, students will have developed employability skills through attending careers sessions.

(LO5) On successful completion of this module, students will be competent in advanced use of word processing, bibliographic and drawing software for production of research reports and final geological maps.

(LO6) On successful completion of this module, students will be competent in identifying hazards and risks associated with a future field-based independent project.

Syllabus
 

The syllabus provides Geoscience students with the research skills they will need to complete Year Three and/or Year Four independent research projects. The syllabus is delivered via a lecture/workshop series and tutorial sessions.

Topics covered:
Ethics & risk
Preparing for independent project work, including safety and logistics
How to create a project plan
How to extract information from papers and write abstracts
How to write up a geological report
How to create a final map poster

Workshops:
Using CorelDraw
Using GIS to create a geological map
Creating hazard maps in GIS
EndNote and literature searching
Using stereonet and rose diagram software

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The syllabus is delivered via a lecture/workshop series (e.g. use of EndNote for bibliographies), as well as sessions specifically targeted for Earth Sciences students (e.g. use of GIS, stereonet and vector-based drawing software) and tutorial sessions. The tutorials provide the learning environment for PDP/employability, for setting, supervising and marking assessment tasks, and for facilitating general discussions.

Teaching Method 1 - Lectures
Description: Lectures to introduce skills required for research and employability
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Some lecture sessions include workshop elements and may last 2 hours.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorials
Description: Small group sessions to develop skills and provide feedback
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Workshops
Description: Workshops to develop skills required for research and employability
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Use of EndNote, Corel Draw, GIS and orient ation data plotting software; employability.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 10

   8

     12

 30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
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
Oral presentation on a geological topic including some ethical dimension. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.   10    25       
Final map poster constructed from field data. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When):   0    25       
Depending on the type of 3rd year project chosen, students will either produce a literature review on a topic related to their independent project or write up field data in the form of a report. Th  0    40       
Gantt chart detailing plan for dissertation project. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (  0    10       

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