Module manager: Prof Ken Carslaw
Email: k.s.carslaw@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides students with the skills needed to maximise the quality of presentation of scientific results in written and oral forms, specifically preparing students for their Masters Research Project. The module develops skills in writing peer-reviewed scientific articles, grant proposals and articles for general audiences, as well as how to produce and deliver conference presentations. Skills will be developed through a series of workshops in which the best approaches are identified through group-based critical evaluation of articles and presentations.
1- Search for published studies and manage a reference database for use in a publication.
2- Understand scientific quality and significance and how they are defined by journals when assessing publications.
3- Understand the scientific scope and article types available across environmental and atmospheric science.
4- Write appropriate journal article titles in different styles.
5- Write abstracts for a range of article types.
6- Write clear and concise scientific articles with good logical flow and presentation of data.
7- Archive research data in a form that meets FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) required by journals.
8- Explain science in written form to general audiences.
9- Produce clear figures and captions for articles.
10- Write grant proposals suitable for a UK funding organisation in environmental science.
11- Give clear and well-structured oral presentations appropriate for scientific conferences.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Understanding of the components of a peer-reviewed article in environmental science and how to write each part.
2- Write concisely and clearly with high-level of scientific quality in a form suitable for peer-reviewed journals and grant proposals in environmental and climate sciences.
3- Communicate data and ideas graphically for a range of audiences.
4- Adapt writing style and level of detail for different audiences, including the public, government and policy makers.
5- Produce and deliver a conference oral presentation.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Academic skills:
1- Presentation skills: communicate on a pre-prepared topic in an accessible manner, considering the needs of the specific audience.
2- Writing skills: communicate effectively in written form to articulate an argument, supported by relevant evidence and adhering to academic convention.
3- Academic language skills: demonstrate an understanding of academic conventions in the choice of vocabulary and sentence structure, and to select the most appropriate and effective methods of communication to demonstrate knowledge and understanding.
4- Information searching skills: search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and research.
5- Academic integrity skills: A commitment to good study practices and shared values, which ensures that your work is a true expression of your own understanding and ideas, giving credit to others where their work contributes to yours.
6- Referencing skills: knowledge of when, why and how to acknowledge someone else’s work or ideas and to use the appropriate referencing style.
Work-ready skills:
7- Communication skills: Convey information clearly, accurately and appropriately, including verbal and written means.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 122 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Approx 5 workshops in which student work analysing scientific writing will be discussed and reviewed.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 34 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 60 |
| Coursework | Oral assessment | 6 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 29/04/2025
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