BIMPRO-Professional Skills

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8

Email: j.mitchley@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

To enhance professional scientific skills in comprehension, written and oral communication, project development and management. To introduce the topics of biological recording, red listing and plant and animal survey methods carried out by professional ecological consultants and conservationists. 

Aims:

To enhance professional scientific skills in comprehension, written and oral communication, project development and management. To introduce the topics of biological recording, red listing and plant and animal survey methods carried out by professional ecological consultants and conservationists. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to 

• Communicate to a professional audience through use of social media, PowerPoint and other tools;


• Write reports clearly and concisely using good English;

Carry out habitat and quadrat surveys and present the results to professional industry standards

Additional outcomes:

Knowledge of the ecological consultancy industry.

Outline content:

• Social media including copyright issues;


• Report writing;


• Plant and animal survey methods for ecological consultants;


• UK Phase 1 habitat and Phase 2 vegetation survey theory and practice;


• Biological recording and background data search;


• Use of a herbarium by biodiversity professionals;


• Red listing for conservation;


• Entrepreneurship skills;


• Project management and tendering skills;


• Local wildlife conservation action.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, seminars and practicals.

Other information on summative assessment:

1. Social media assignment, 20%;

2. Writing assignment, 20%;

3. Phase 1 assignment, 20%;

4. Extended Phase 1 and NVC assignment, 40%.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Class discussion and feedback sessions, peer learning.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:

Requirements for a pass:

50% 

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of new assignments in August or September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 31 March 2017