GV2LCC-Loddon Catchment Consultancy
Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Dr Joanna Clark
Email: j.m.clark@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
This module provides students with the opportunity to work on a major new initiative in the Loddon Catchment (south of Reading). Students will work as consultants, providing solutions to ‘real life’ environmental problems for external organisations located within the catchment (e.g. local authorities, government organisations, charities, industry and public). This module uses problem based-learning, enabling self-directed learning as students to build on their current expertise as required by the nature of the project.
Aims:
• To develop a deep understanding of environmental processes of interest to the student, and how these affect people’s lives and livelihoods. • To develop skills in applying for work, designing, executing and reporting a consultancy style project to improve skills in research and employability. • To enable students to as academic partners, contributing to wider University research and impact activities within the Loddon Observatory (loddonobservatory.org).
Assessable learning outcomes:
•Identify and evaluate personal strengths and training needs relevant to the project chosen
•Demonstrate competency in team work
•Design a work plan for the project and evaluate progress
•Assess available evidence, recognising limitations and gaps in knowledge
•Summarise relevant project outputs to meet client’s needs
Additional outcomes:
•Employability skills (team work, project management, communication) from working on ‘real’ problems for ‘real’ people with ‘real’ resource.
•Deeper understanding of other relevant areas of environmental science studied at Part 1 and Part 2.
Outline content:
Autumn Term: • Introduction to projects and external clients (Lecture) • Understanding team dynamics (workshop) • Project management (workshop) • CV, job application and interview (workshop) • Project plans (student-led seminars to external clients) Spring Term: • Health & Safety and Ethics • Group project work (supported by on-line tools and resources and team workshops/tutorials) • Technical report • Presentations to external clients (seminar)
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module uses problem based learning. Students choose a particular project to work on, and then draw upon relevant knowledge and skills from other modules and wider resources as required to deliver solutions to their client. Learning is supported by a range of on-line tools and resource and through project supervision, workshops and practical classes. Field work avaialble for some projects.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written assignment including essay |
30 |
| Report |
50 |
| Oral assessment and presentation |
20 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Job application (1 page letter and 2 page CV) – Autumn Term (20%) Group presentation/screencast (5 minutes) – Autumn Term (20%) Technical report (1000 words max per student) – Spring Term (50%) Personal performance review (250 words) - Spring Term (10%)
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 31 March 2017