Module manager: Ben Murray
Email: B.J.Murray@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module will prepare students for a significant research activity such as their Level 3 research project. The module will present techniques and theory behind experimental planning, sampling, measuring, analysing and interpreting data. The aim is to give a coherent training all the way from experimental design through to presentation of findings. Students will learn how to design and implement scientific experiments, how to analyse the data they collect, to draw inferences, and how to write a report on their experiment. Students will have an opportunity to gain practical, hands on, experience of how environmental data is produced, analysed, interpreted and reported.
Building on skills developed at Level 1, this module aims to provide all Level 2 Environmental Science students with a coherent and consistent training in skills needed for collecting, analysing and interpreting environmental data. The module provides the opportunity to undertake field and practical techniques relevant for future careers in Environmental Science.
1. Demonstrate field-based, practical and research skills including observation, analysis, measurement, synthesis and integration/assimilation of information
2. Demonstrate an understanding of key chemical and physical measurement techniques for water, soil and the air, and their application in environmental sciences
3. Recognise how precision, accuracy and uncertainty are involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data
4. Critically appraise these analytical approaches in the application of environmental monitoring with attention to the validation of environmental measurements through sampling strategies and quality control.
5. Apply skills learnt in this module to plan and present a scientific report
• Planning a sampling strategy
• Awareness of logistics, ethics, risk assessment
• Precision, accuracy and uncertainty
• Collection of data and analysis of samples in the field
• Range of laboratory analysis of soil, water and atmospheric samples - practice and theory
• Technical/professional report writing
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Problem Based Learning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 7 | ||
| Private study hours | 145.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 47.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
• Preparation for fieldwork and workshops
• Independent reading
• Preparation of project report
• Revision
Feedback during field work and workshops.
Formative feedback on a written report
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 2000 word project report | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team