BS257-5-FY-CO:
Professional Skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists

The details
2016/17
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
15
20 March 2012

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
BS215
(none)
(none)

 

BS255, BS352, BS832

Key module for

BSC C164 Marine Biology,
BSC CC60 Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CC64 Marine Biology (Including Placement Year)

Module description

Gaining fundamental academic knowledge is a major goal for the individual modules of your degree; however, in order to apply this knowledge into your future career path requires that students effectively communicate this knowledge and importantly identify the “transferable skills” to maximise employability. This module therefore aims to develop and nurture a number of key transferable skills such as communication, team working, numeracy and attention to detail. A series of classes will introduce and apply data analysis and interpretation techniques (focussing on DAI and report writing skills utilising large data sets collected during the respective field courses, BS213/BS215), but also engagement into contemporary environmental issues relevant to your degrees (which will be delivered through student led learning discussion sessions). Students will also focus on identifying specific career options and the skills, qualities and aptitudes required, planning a career path, understanding the job application process and developing CV and cover letter writing skills.

Learning outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. Demonstrate competence in career planning and job application skills, including CV and cover letter writing
2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the literature in a field relevant to a specific career path.
3. Demonstrate engagement with the career planning process.
4. Develop a career action plan and identify personal development needs.
5. Develop key skills in reading and evaluating scientific papers, information retrieval, SPF writing and independent learning.
6. Demonstrate competence in oral and written communication and data analysis and interpretation, along with experience working in different roles within a team.

Module aims

No information available.

Module learning outcomes

No information available.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Divided into three parts that each address core elements of the module: Part A: Data Analysis & Interpretation - Classes of 1 x 1h module introduction and 5 x 2h statistics and SPF workshops (Autumn term) Part B: Employability Skills - Classes of 1 x 2h session and 1 x 1h feedback session as well as 1 x 3h session (Autumn term). Part C: Issues in Environmental Sciences - Classes of 3 x 3h sessions (Spring term)

Bibliography

(none)

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Cover Letter    10% 
Coursework   CV & Letter (FINAL)     10% 
Coursework   SPF     35% 
Coursework   Career Action Plan     10% 
Practical   Presentation Files    35% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
0% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tom Cameron, Prof Chris Reynolds (Placement sessions only)
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Mark John Coleman
The University of East Anglia
Director of Teaching and Learning
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 46 hours, 20 (43.5%) hours available to students:
10 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
16 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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