Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to:
•       Enable students to develop the fundamental academic, statistical and professional skills required to be
successful in their university studies.
•       Provide students with opportunities to develop and practice these skills in the context of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and within the context of the accompanying modules NES1201
Introduction to Sustainability and NES1100 Sustainability in Practice.
•       Provide the opportunity for students to develop team working and researching skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus will include topics such as:
•       Scientific methods and experimental hypothesis design
•       Basic data manipulation, interpretation, data analysis and presentation
•       Digital and information literacies: finding and evaluation information for research tasks
•       Academic writing, referencing and essay structures
•       Scientific communication techniques
•       Use and generation of constructive feedback

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Following this module students will be able to:

1.       Understand the principles of the scientific method, hypothesis design and experimental design.
2.       Appropriately apply a range of statistical methods, and understand how these methods could be used to
interpret and present data
3.       Recognise the different types of academic information available in their subject area and explain why
they might use them for different purposes.
4.       Describe what referencing is and why it is important, being able to construct complete and accurate
references in their chosen style
5.       Identify and apply a range of other academic and professional skills required for their university
studies
6.       Demonstrate how to undertake research effectively and responsibly, reflecting on the appropriateness of
the methods chosen for the task at hand,
7.       Communicate science effectively, attributing their sources appropriately
8.       Demonstrate effective use of constructive criticism and feedback.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Following this module students will be able to:

1.       Handle data, understand issues of variation, summarise key points appropriately and effectively present
that data
2.       Apply analytical skills (being able to ask relevant questions and test hypothesis)
3.       Interpret results from statistical tests and analysis
4.       Apply a series of analytical techniques to aid research
5.       Perform a literature search in a range of resources appropriate to their tasks and apply referencing
principles in order to avoid plagiarism and the unethical use of information
6.       Develop scientific communication skills including essay writing, word processing, graphs, and
presentation skills
7.       Deliver constructive criticism and use it to actively improve performance
8.       Work as a part of a group to undertake research into an area of sustainability and deliver an oral
presentation on that research

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In semester 1 students will work in groups (SO2) to present a PowerPoint on a relevant topic (KO1). They will receive lectures and practical sessions to develop their MS Office skills (SO5), and to learn about sourcing and referencing information (SO1). In tutorials they will critically assess their skills and former work against assessment criteria.

Core and supplementary material for this module (e.g. lecture slides, practicals, datasets and videos) will offer students the required resources to 1) gain an understanding on what statistical techniques can be used to understand and solve research questions and 2) learn how to use key statistical techniques in data analysis.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The presentation assesses students on their group working skills as well as on synthesis and presentation of information.

The formative assessment provides groups with the opportunity to receive feedback on their presentation prior to submission.

The exam will test students' knowledge of statistical tests (KO3) as well as testing their knowledge on when to use them and their interpretation (KO3, KO4, KO5).

General Notes

N/A