Module overview
This module provides essential key skills training to MSc students within Ocean and Earth Science.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- You will develop proficiency in designing poster presentations suitable for a scientific audience, and understanding of how to tailor oral presentations across a range of formats.
- You will learn about techniques for effective science communication to non-specialist audiences through a variety of media, with opportunities to develop proficiency in writing short popular-science articles.
- You will develop an understanding of the theory, practice, acquisition, analysis, integration and interpretation of oceanographic data across a range of oceanographic applications to test findings and hypotheses. Working individually and as a team, you will gain hands-on experience in many of these methods using the department research vessel as well as rigid inflatable boats for coastal sampling. You will learn about scientific, logistic, regulatory and safety aspects across a wide range of fieldwork types, and be responsible for planning and executing coastal fieldwork to successfully test a well-structured hypothesis using the scientific method.
- You will develop a holistic ability to consider the complexity and interconnections of the ocean system from a range in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives, and an understanding of topics currently at the frontiers of research and many of the specialist techniques used to investigate them.
- You will gain an awareness of issues and University policy surrounding Academic Integrity
- You will develop your ability to best manage your research project using time management and interpersonal techniques.
- You will gain insight into career paths for MSc Oceanography graduates, both academic and non-academic, and learn how to prepare for job or PhD applications by tailoring your CV and cover letters. You will learn where to find support with career advice, application and interview preparation, and communicating your specialist skill set to prospective employers.
- Through this module, you will learn how to critically research, evaluate and synthesise the findings of peer-reviewed publications, and demonstrate your proficiency in communicating an overview on a specific topic through a well-structured literature review.
Syllabus
Lectures, lab practicals and fieldwork sessions covering the material in this course take place throughout Semesters 1 and 2. Self-study materials are also available in some cases. Sessions cover the following areas:
Communication and research skills:
- Writing research papers
- Presenting research seminars
- Preparing poster presentations
- Writing a research proposal
- Writing an academic literature review
- Communicating research to wider audiences
IT and data analysis:
- Introduction to MATLAB
- Introduction to Surfer
- Introduction to Ocean Dataview
- Data presentation
Professional skills:
- Career development (CVs, job application, interview technique)
- Professional skills (negotiation, time management, teamwork, etc.)
Fieldwork:
- Boatwork covering physical, chemical, biological oceanographic and marine geological techniques
- Chartwork.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Communication and Research Skills: These sessions provide students with training and experience in writing research papers, preparing academic literature reviews, producing research proposals and presenting results in seminars, posters and communication with the wider public.
IT & Data Analysis: These sessions cover the fundamentals of data presentation, data visualization and general introductions to Ocean Dataview, Matlab and Surfer.
Professional Development: These sessions provide advice on applying for job and PhD opportunities and training in 'personal effectiveness' techniques useful for the MSc project.
Boatwork: MSc boatwork activities are intended to familiarise students with a range of techniques and equipment used in physical, chemical and biological oceanography and marine geology, while also exercising team working skills and exploring features of estuarine oceanography.
A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 114 |
| Teaching | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Boatwork Report (10%): Students will prepare a report based on the data they collect during the MSc boatwork week, presenting the motivation (hypothesis) for the study and methods, appropriate risk assessment, overview of data collected, analyses performed, and evaluation of hypothesis. Formatted as for cruise reports for larger research expeditions. Poster and Oral presentation (20%): Students will present an academic poster (digital) accompanied by a short "elevator pitch" style presentation, communicating their proposed independent research project to their peers. Literature Review (70%): Students are required to prepare a 6000 word academic literature review on a title related to the area of their project, set by the project supervisor. Popular science article (Formative exercise): Students are required to write a New Scientist-style news article about a recent paper in marine science, following training in how to communicate with non-specialist audiences.Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Article
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Poster Presentation | 10% |
| Boatwork report | 10% |
| Written assignment | 10% |
| Literature review | 70% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal