Module Details

Module Code: ENVR S8011
Full Title: Environmental Communication and Critique
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Siobhan McCarthy
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: In this module, students will explore and critically appraise topical environmental issues. Students will develop their skills in information gathering, management and communication
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Communicate key points and issues from published scientific articles to a non-scientific audience
MLO2 Discuss and critique environmental issues
MLO3 Critically review consulted literature
MLO4 Source and manage scientific literature
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Lectures
Evolution of environmental issues; preservationism, modern environmentalism, globalisation of environmental issues; role and impact of environmentalism in modern world
Tutorials
Scientific writing skills; Harvard referencing; Managing a literature database; Literature critique; Structuring a literature review
Discussion/Debate
Student led discussions and debates on emerging environmental topics
Sample literature review titles
The influence of forestry and vegetation on fish populations; Management strategies for small streams; A comparative assessment of farming practices and their impacts on the environment; Integrated Catchment Management; Mitigation of diffuse pollution using critical source area approaches; A comparison of sustainable energy options; A review of Environmental legislation and its effectiveness; A review of the environmental impact of plastic microbeads
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will choose and present a environmental topic from the literature
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 11 Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will submit a project review based on an environmental topic.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A range of Continuous Assessments will be examined, including: Press Release (10%), students will review an emerging research topic and write a non-technical summary; Press coverage (10%), each student will select a media article for class discussion; Scientific critique (10%), group evaluation of scientific articles in-class; Planning document (10%), students will submit a literature review planning document; Resource management (10%), students will set up a database (e.g. Mendeley) for managing their literature review resources
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact A range of tutorials will be delivered including: scientific writing, research methods, presentation skills Every Week 1.00 1
Lecture Contact Environmentalism and emerging issues Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Discussion and debate of environmental issues Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact Sourcing and evaluating literature. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact Lecturer provided reading Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Martha Davis, Kaaron Joann Davis, Marion Dunagan. (2012), Scientific Papers and Presentations : Navigating Scientific Communication in Today’s World, 3rd Ed.. Academic Press.
  • Lebrun, J. (2007), Scientific writing : a reader and writer's guide, World Scientific Pub Co Pte.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Carter, N.. (2001), The politics of the environment, Cambridge.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources