Module Details

Module Code: ENVR S8018
Full Title: Environmental Bioscience Project 1
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Valerie McCarthy
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module will provide an opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge and practical skills and develop them through practical research on a selected topic. This will require the student to demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking skills, present and justify the methodology, analyse data and draw appropriate conclusions and communicate their work to a critical audience. This module should foster independence, confidence and a sense of personal responsibility for the work executed.

This module is directly linked to the ENVR S8021 (Environmental Biosciences Project 2) module in semester 2. These modules should be seen as a single year-long module.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Apply knowledge and practical skills in the research of a specific aspect of biological environmental assessment or management.
MLO2 Source, develop and validate laboratory methods and protocols.
MLO3 Employ advanced data analysis and synthesis techniques within the scope of the project.
MLO4 Maintain detailed records of project-based activities and present the results of the research in high-quality oral formats.
MLO5 Critically interpret and synthesise research evidence collated in the laboratory and/or field and apply it to the relevant and appropriate scientific literature.
MLO6 Be able to present and disseminate scientific literature at a professional level that is suitable for both the scientific community and other key stakeholders.
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
Research Project Research
Students will be provided with 3 X 8 hour supervised laboratory sessions over a period of six weeks for the execution of their project. Students will meet with their project supervisor for approximately one hour per week to discuss the progress of the work, data analysis and preparation of the oral presentation. Students must maintain a laboratory notebook in which they should record thoughts, plans, methods, raw data, calculations and other details of practical activities during the course of the project. During weekly meetings, the project supervisor may add remarks or suggestions to the laboratory notebook. Students must perform and defend a 10-minute oral presentation of their work at the end of the semester. If possible, the project planning and design module (year 3 semester 2) can form the basis for the 4th year Research Project (Environmental Bioscience Project 1 & 2 modules). If this happens, student supervision hours will be 'split' between EB3 semester 2 (0.5 hr per week) and EB4 semester 1 (0.5 hr per week), instead of the listed EB4 semester 1 (1 hr per week).
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 1,3,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The student will present a summary of the work which they conducted over the course of the semster, it will include a detailed overview of the methodologies employed, results obtained over the course of the project and critical synthesis and interpretation of the data obtained. Each presentation will be assessed by a team of supervisors, who will conduct a detailed oral examination of the student to assess their critical insight into the work which has been conducted.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The supervisor will evaluate the students performance during the course of the project and will issue a report. This will be based on criteria such as attendance, diligence, motivation, and initiative, as well as field and laboratory skills, health and safety, and problem solving skills. The students field and laboratory notes will be assessed as part of the supervisors report.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Project thesis: The student will be required to submit a comprehensive thesis/draft paper suitable for publication in a scientific journal based on their methodology, results data analysis and conclusions using an approved format. The report will be assessed by the supervisor and one other member of the programme team.
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
Lecturer Supervised Learning Contact Meeting with supervisor Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Laboratory and Field Work which will be conducted in a block over a six week period consisting of 3 day long sessions. Every Week 12.00 12
Total Weekly Learner Workload 13.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 13.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ruzton, G.D. and Golegrave, N.. (2006), Experimental Design for the Life Sciences, 2nd. Oxford Press.
  • Judith Bell. (2005), Doing your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science, 4th. Open University Press, Maidenhead, UK, [ISBN: 9780335215041].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources