Modules

Module title: Field and Laboratory Skills
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: ENV11108
Module leader: Kathy Velander
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Animal and Plant Science
Prerequisites

n/a
2019/0, Trimester 2, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Kathy Velander
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
This is a practical module designed to synthesise the knowledge gained in other parts of the programme and apply it in a real situation. Since practical activities are the most effective method of teaching skills, the students will undertake a variety of field and related lab sessions during the module which will help develop the field and ID skills required during the subsequent field course (LOs 1 & 2). As well as timetabled classes, students are given open access to the university’s library of preserved/dried specimens. In order to try to facilitate the distance-learning students, a large volume of material including photos and links to relevant web sites is available and they are encouraged to explore their local habitats to apply the same techniques of identification to their flora and fauna. All students must then participate in a field course where campus and distance students finally have the opportunity to mix and share experience. Two field courses are currently supported one in Scotland and the other with an element outside the UK (subject to change). A report (the focus of which depends on which field course attended) will enable students to exercise the skills they have learned throughout their period of study and apply theoretical knowledge to practice (LO 3).

Formative Assessment:
Prior to undertaking the field course element, several sessions on sampling and ID are held. Quizzes, both in class and online, are used as formative assessment to allow students to assess their competence.

Summative Assessment:
Summative ID assessments occur at intervals in the trimester (depending on seasonality of species) with a final ID test during the field course and a report, the focus of which depends on the field course undertaken, due three weeks after the end of the field course – note this will likely be into trimester 3.


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 40
Independent Learning Guided independent study 70
Face To Face Fieldwork 90
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 50 1, 3 15 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 2000
Practical Skills Assessment 50 2 15 HOURS= 6, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

A series of practical sessions in the field and lab will be followed by a residential field course during which students will conduct (under supervision) sampling/monitoring in terrestrial and aquatic habitats with identification and enumeration of various taxa. Habitat and species specific methods related to terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, small mammals, birds and plants will be covered. Students will be tested on the key employability skills of species identification and report writing.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Critically explore a variety of methods used to study various species and / or habitats
LO2: Identify a range of taxa according to key anatomical features
LO3: Collect, present and interpret data in a scientific report
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

ROSE, F. AND O'REILLY, C. (2006) THE WILD FLOWER KEY - HOW TO IDENTIFY WILD PLANTS, TREES AND SHRUBS IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND: FREDICK WARNE, LONDON, 0 - ISBN: 0723251754
CHINERY, M. (2012) INSECTS OF BRITAIN AND WESTERN EUROPE: A&C BLACK, 3rd ed. - ISBN: 1408179482
SVENSSON, L., MULLARNEY, K., ZETTERSTROM, D., GRANT, P.J. (2010) COLLINS BIRD GUIDE: BRTAIN AND EUROPE: COLLINS, 2nd ed. - ISBN: 0007268149
CRAWFORD, C.L. (2002) BRYOPHYTES OF NATIVE WOODS: A FIELD GUIDE TO COMMON MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND'S WOODLANDS: NRC, 1st ed. - ISBN: 0954379500
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