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:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Joanna Clark

Email: j.m.clark@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2	3
Seminars	2	2
Project Supervision	2	2
Practicals classes and workshops	16	29
Fieldwork		8
Guided independent study	78	56
Total hours by term	100.00	100.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Report	50
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback on their work during project supervision, workshop and practical sessions in the Autumn and Spring Terms.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (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.

Assessment 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: 20 April 2018