Key Skills for Marine Scientists

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Effectively use library resources, including via literature searches, and use of electronic catalogues
• Demonstrate ability to communicate in written and oral formats; and evidence teamworking, time management, study, and self-management skills
• Record successful certificated training in first aid and, where appropriate, basic sea survival
• Write scientific essay/reports with appropriate formatting, citation and referencing
• Demonstrate competence in key field skills including safe boat work, taking samples and logging data together with basic navigation skills

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Safely and systematically collect and then present and analyse field data, in the form of a poster or written report during the Easter fieldcourse
• Produce a written report on a topic set by the tutor making use of library resources to support the report
• By completion of a compulsory online academic integrity assessment, you will have learnt and know how to employ the SOES protocols associated with referring to the work of other authors in your own pieces of work, i.e. producing reference lists, citing/acknowledging other authors' publications in your written work

This year 1 module introduces students to University study, and key marine science skills and topics, mainly via small-group (tutorial) and field-based learning, but with some conventional lectures. Skills covered include safe boat work, basic sampling and data logging and more generic skills such as writing and analysis skills, use of key software , research skills, presentational skills, and information searching, citation and management

During a Southampton based field course, normally in the Easter vacation, students undertake boatwork and practical marine science training as well as basic sea survival and first aid training and certification.

Six tutorials are held over both semesters to introduce students to their degree subjects in greater depth, and develop key subject skills.

Teaching and learning methods

Tutorial programme: will further develop generic skills such as scientific writing, information research and oral presentation.

Fieldwork: will provide you with a training in marine science fieldwork skills (such as safe boat work, data logging, together with seabed and water column sampling).

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.