ENVS1007 Environmental Field Techniques and Applications

Module Overview

This module is designed to provide you with hands-on experience of a wide range of contemporary environmental issues and techniques. This residential field course is divided into two main components. During the first part you will learn key field-based techniques, including (but not limited to); environmental observation and evaluation, field-based species identification, quantitative and qualitative ecological surveys, and morphometric surveying. This work is complemented by talks and tours of relevant field sites. During the second part of the field course you will undertake a group research project.

Aims and Objectives

Module Aims

To provide experience in a wide range of practical Environmental Science field skills To develop field-based transferable skills such as teamwork and time / project management To refine research related skills such statistical analysis and scientific report writing

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
Issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources, for example, the different value sets relating to the Earth's resources as commodities and/or heritage
The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
The applicability of environmental science to the world of work

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
Collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages including geographic information systems
Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques
Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
Recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
Evaluating performance as an individual and a team member

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
Collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory
Undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders
Referencing work in an appropriate manner

Syllabus

This module integrates the practical lab, field and statistical skills covered in other core ENVS modules. Working in groups, you will gain experience in developing ideas and questions into well-designed, feasible environmental science research projects. The first part of the module will guide you through this process in a range of environmental topics such as ecology, forestry, river and coast management, and human impacts on the natural environment (note: exact content covered may vary). During the latter part of the module you will design and implement your own group research project related to a topic of your choosing. You will work as a group to collect your data; the analysis and write up will be an individual exercise.

Special Features

For students with specials needs, an individual assessment with be made and appropriate arrangements made to ensure they are enabled to benefit from the exercise or an equivalent experience.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module includes a significant amount of field and lab-work, both as part of guided tutorial style sessions and also as part of your group research project. This will be supported by lectures, and also planning, analysis and write-up workshops. In addition, students will undertake self-directed learning and private study to complement the practical and taught material.

Type	Hours
Workshops	23
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Follow-up work	24
Completion of assessment task	54
Wider reading or practice	24
Fieldwork	9
Project supervision	4
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	40%
Report	60%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Costs

Costs associated with this module

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:

Travel Costs for placements

You will need to provide and wear your own suitable clothing when working in the field, e.g. waterproofs, walking boots. You can purchase these from any source and costs will vary depending on your preference. You will be expected to purchase your own lunch and any additional refreshments.

Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.