Module Information
Module Identifier
GS11900
Module Title
First Year Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science Tutorial
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay 1200 word essay + 300 word commentary = 1500 words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Presentation 5 minute presentation | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Skills portfolio | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay 1200 word essay + 300 word commentary = 1500 words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Presentation Script and visual material for the presentation must be submitted | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Skills portfolio | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify appropriate data sources and resources for Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science, including books, journals and websites, and show an appreciation of the issues involved in their use.
2. Knowledgably discuss selected key concepts and ideas in Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science.
3. Produce written work of a style and standard appropriate to university level coursework.
4. Undertake appropriate independent preparatory work for classes, including reading and research.
5. Make an oral presentation to a small group.
Brief description
The Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science core includes an assessed tutorial component with personal academic tutors in small groups of about five students. In this module study, subject-specific and personal skills are developed, career ambitions explored and academic discussion takes place around a defined syllabus. Academic coursework in the Level 1 Tutorial is linked to the topics discussed in the first year Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science modules and develops a range of academic study skills. These include:
• The planning of work routines and the setting of academic and personal targets;
• Library use and how to build an effective reading programme; styles of note making/annotation and bibliographic referencing; Chemical skills; Numerical skills; Laboratory notebook skills;
• Data analysis and interpretation;
• Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science Essay & Report Writing and examination technique (students are introduced to good writing skills and the qualities used to assess written work);
• The value of, and how to respond to feedback. The tutorial module offers students the opportunity to engage directly in their learning, to contribute to discussion and give presentations on their work in a small group setting.
Alongside its academic role, discussion can take place of employability and careers opportunities.
The module is assessed through a range of assignments: An essay (30%) made up of a 1200 word submission and a 300 word commentary on the formative feedback (marks split 25:5%); A professional skills portfolio (30%). A five-minute presentation (10%); A second semester essay (30%) of 1500 words.
• The planning of work routines and the setting of academic and personal targets;
• Library use and how to build an effective reading programme; styles of note making/annotation and bibliographic referencing; Chemical skills; Numerical skills; Laboratory notebook skills;
• Data analysis and interpretation;
• Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science Essay & Report Writing and examination technique (students are introduced to good writing skills and the qualities used to assess written work);
• The value of, and how to respond to feedback. The tutorial module offers students the opportunity to engage directly in their learning, to contribute to discussion and give presentations on their work in a small group setting.
Alongside its academic role, discussion can take place of employability and careers opportunities.
The module is assessed through a range of assignments: An essay (30%) made up of a 1200 word submission and a 300 word commentary on the formative feedback (marks split 25:5%); A professional skills portfolio (30%). A five-minute presentation (10%); A second semester essay (30%) of 1500 words.
Content
This module combines pastoral and personal development responsibilities of the personal tutor with the development of core study skills that are central to success in Higher Education.
The ten sessions (which include personal tutor meetings) will address the following themes:
• Evaluating and reviewing library and learning resources;
• Writing for academic/technical audiences;
• Responding to feedback;
• Revision techniques;
• Presentation techniques.
Other issues relating to pastoral development – such as the expectations and challenges of university life, time and resource management, reviewing academic performance, and employability and career aspirations can be discussed in designated personal tutor slots.
The ten sessions (which include personal tutor meetings) will address the following themes:
• Evaluating and reviewing library and learning resources;
• Writing for academic/technical audiences;
• Responding to feedback;
• Revision techniques;
• Presentation techniques.
Other issues relating to pastoral development – such as the expectations and challenges of university life, time and resource management, reviewing academic performance, and employability and career aspirations can be discussed in designated personal tutor slots.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | This is developed through the skills portfolio and the numerical skills exercise. |
| Communication | Students will be required to present written work in an appropriate academic register, and to present orally in a clear and professional manner. The tutorial presents students with a small group environment in which to develop their oral communication skills in a less daunting setting than larger classes. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will be encouraged to respond to feedback; a component of assignment 1 assesses how students have responded to feedback. The smaller elements of the module, such as the skills exercises, will allow students to gauge their progress and improve their performance. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to use word processing technology for the two essays, and presentation software for the presentation. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Personal development and employability issues are embedded in the personal tutor sessions. The skills element is aimed specifically at the development of professional skills with direct relevance to employment in the environmental sector. |
| Problem solving | This module will develop a series of skills to enable students to research and address a series of key questions Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Science. The module is designed to build these skills incrementally by providing feedback on early exercises prior to setting later assessment. Their problem solving skills will therefore be developed incrementally using a variety of smaller exercises and examples. |
| Research skills | The students will be introduced to new topics which will require additional research. Specific ‘further information’ questions will be set from a number of the tutorials to encourage use of research and information literacy skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The assignments address both generic skills, such as writing and oral communication, alongside subject-specific skills. vital to most jobs in the environmental sector and a good standard of numeracy is also considered important by potential employers. |
| Team work | While not assessed, there will be opportunities for students to work as a team. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4