Practical science skills II: field skills
Prohibited Combinations
You may not take this module if you have previously passed:
Practical Science Skills II: Field Skills (SCIU2FS)
Module Description
Fieldwork is generally seen as intrinsic to the very nature of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Field training is a fundamental element to provide you with an understanding of how we make use of the scientific method to unravel how the natural world works. It’s essential to translate theoretical ideas into real-world situations.
This module aims to provide you with practice in field skills and to develop knowledge of how scientific studies are developed. For students studying any science-based courses many of these skills are applicable in subsequent advanced modules and later in their careers.
The programme assumes no previous experience of working in the field and includes a range of experiences both practical and intellectual. This module will be of interest to students wishing to develop their knowledge and practical skills in biology, ecology, environmental sciences and geography.
Location/Method of Study
Stirling/On Campus, UK
Stirling
Module Objectives
Introduction to be a scientistCareers advisory sessionSampling strategies and data recordingMaps and locationsGlobal positioning system and field mappingMicroclimates (sampling and data analysis)Biological diversity (sampling and data analysis)
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this Module.
Core Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
Describe issues of scientific practice using standard terminology related to scientific method and the design of experiments (1);
observe and record important environmental and biological parameters using a range of field methods (2);
apply field sampling methods which minimise subjective bias (3);
collect time-series data and perform simple comparative data analyses (4); an
present scientific data using a range of methods (including schematic figures, maps, reports, and a scientific poster) (5).
Introductory Reading and Preparatory Work
Reed, Weyers and Jones. Practical skills in Biology; jones, duck, reed annd Weyers. Practical skills in environmental sciences
Delivery
Total Study Time 200 hours
Attendance Requirements
Your engagement with learning materials and activities and attendance at scheduled live sessions and other events is extremely important. Full engagement in your studies will enable you to get the most out of the course and help you perform at your best when it comes to assessment.
We expect you to engage with all aspects of this module and with your programme of study. You should:
· Engage with all module materials, activities, and online timetabled teaching sessions
· Actively participate in discussions and practical activities
· Prepare in advance of live sessions by undertaking the required reading and/or other forms of preparation
· Submit coursework/assessments by the due time and date
· Complete class tests and examinations at the specified time and date
· Make your module co-ordinator aware at the earliest opportunity if you experience problems which may impact on your engagement
· Inform the University of absence from study (planned or unplanned), e.g. illness, emergency as outlined at http://www.stir.ac.uk/registry/studentinformation/absence
· Respond to e-mails from your personal tutor, module co-ordinator or programme director and attend meetings if requested.
· Engage with in-sessional English language classes (if applicable)
We will monitor these aspects throughout each semester to check that you are fully participating and that you are coping well with your studies. Some activities may be prescribed, failure to engage with 2/3 of prescribed activities will result in your module grade being capped at the pass mark (40 for Undergraduate modules, 50 for Postgraduate modules).
Assessment
% of final
grade Learning
Outcomes
Coursework 34 1
Poster 33 2,3,4,5
Coursework 33 1,2,3,4
Coursework: 100%
More information at: https://portal.stir.ac.uk/calendar/calendar.jsp?modCode=SCIU2PS&_gl=1*lljadb*_ga*MTY1OTcwNzEyMS4xNjkyMDM2NjY3*_ga_ENJQ0W7S1M*MTY5MjAzNjY2Ny4xLjEuMTY5MjAzNzg0My4wLjAuMA..
Presential
TRUE
Practical science skills II: field skills
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The statements made herein do not necessarily have the consent or agreement of the ASTRAIOS Consortium. These represent the opinion and findings of the author(s).
