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:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: j.mitchley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the ecological consultancy industry, how it works and what it does; The module focuses on professional communication skills in written and oral communication and in the professional use of social media; it introduces the plant and animal survey methods used by ecological consultants; it introduces consultancy project management and tendering; it introduces herbarium use, biological recording, IUCN red listing carried out by professional ecological consultants and conservationists.

Aims:

• To introduce the ecological consultancy industry, how it works and what it does;


• To enhance professional communication skills in written and oral communication and in the professional use of social media;


• To introduce plant and animal survey methods used by ecological consultants;


• To carry out an extended Phase 1 habitat survey and present the results to industry standards;


• To introduce consultancy project management and tendering;


• To introduce herbarium use, biological recording, IUCN red listing carried out by professional ecological consultants and conservationists.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Write reports clearly and concisely using good English;


• Communicate to a professional audience through social media;


• Carry out extended Phase 1 habitat survey and present the results to industry standards;


• Prepare a competitive tender for an ecological consultancy project.

Additional outcomes:

Knowledge of the ecological consultancy industry, herbarium skills, IUCN red-listing, biological recording, local conservation action.

Outline content:

• Introduction to the ecological consultancy industry;


• Social media including copyright issues;


• Report writing skills;


• Plant and animal survey methods for ecological consultants;


• UK extended Phase 1 habitat survey;


• Biological recording and biodiversity data online;


• Red listing for conservation;


• Use of a herbarium by biodiversity professionals;


• Consultancy project management, tendering and quotes;


• Local conservation action.

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Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, seminars and practicals.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Social media assignment 20%;


2. Writing assignment 20%;


3. Extended Phase 1 survey assignment 40%;


4. Tendering exercise 20%.

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

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% 

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of new assignments in August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 20 April 2018