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ENVR06084 2019 Communications in Science

General Details

Full Title
Communications in Science
Transcript Title
Communications in Science
Code
ENVR06084
Attendance
70 %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Mary Hannon, Cait Coyle, Maria Dermiki
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection SG_SSUST_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science SG_SAGRI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science SG_SAGRI_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
Description

The module aims to provide students with fundamental communication skills in science during their academic studies and in the workplace. The importance of the effective communication of scientific information by written, oral and visual means will be emphasised.

Students will be required to source, review and summarise peer reviewed scientific literature.

The preparation of scientific reports will involve the organisation, interpretation and presentation (written) of scientific data in a structured format.

Students will be required to work as a team in order to conduct research on a topical environmental issue for an oral and poster presentation.

The role and importance of teamwork will be discussed. During team based work, students will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of enquiry based learning and they will apply some of its key components during the preparation of a poster and oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Recognise the importance of peer reviewed scientific literature.

2.

Recognise what constitutes plagiarism.

3.

Prepare a literature review.

4.

Produce a scientific report using a standard report writing format.

5.

Prepare and present an oral and visual presentation on a selected environmental topic.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures, practicals in computer laboratories and team based exercises augmented by independent learning, directed learning and enquiry based learning.  This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g.  uploading assignments).

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.

During the earlier part of the semester, students will work in teams to present an oral and poster presentation. These two assignments will be through enquiry based learning.

Based on scientific data provided in class, each student will prepare a written scientific report nd submit this during the middle of the semester.

A written literature review will be prepared by each student during the latter part of the semester.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat Continuous Assessment.

Module Dependencies

Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None

Indicative Syllabus

1. Recognise the importance of peer reviewed scientific literature.

1.1 Peer reviewed scientific information.

1.2 Citing and referencing scientific literature.

2. Recognise what constitutes plagiarism.

2.1 Different forms of plagiarism.

2.2 Consequences of plagiarism.

3. Prepare a literature review.

3.1 Preparation of a written literature review on a scientific topic.

3.2 Source core, peer reviewed, scientific literature.

3.3 Write a reference list in Harvard Referencing format.

3.4 Use in text citations in literature review.

4. Produce a scientific report using a standard report writing format.

4.1 Analysis and interpretation of scientific data.

4.2 Preparation of a written scientific report.

5. Prepare and present a team based oral and visual presentation on a selected environmental topic.

5.1 Oral communication skills.

5.2 Visual communication skills.

5.3 Teamwork skills, including the ability to organise, plan, collect and present information on a scientific topic, in addition to the rules of teamwork, conflict management and meeting management.

5.4 Application of some key components of enquiry based learning during group based learning.

 

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Literature Review Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 12 1,2,3
2 Scientific Report Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 30 % Week 10 1,4
3 Oral Presentation Coursework Assessment Assessment 30 % Week 5 1,5
4 Poster Presentation Coursework Assessment Assessment 10 % Week 5 1,5

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture (Theory) 1 Weekly 1.00
Group Learning Flat Classroom Group Learning 1 Weekly 1.00
Supervision Computer Laboratory Practical 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Self Study 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2001 Effective Communication for Science and Technology Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN 0333775465 ISBN-13 9780333775462

This readable book guides science and technology students through all the communication involved in a typical course, from the first assignment to the final project report or dissertation. Detailed help and support is given, with lots of examples and practical advice, including how to apply for a job and succeed at an interview. Above all, this book will give its readers confidence that they can communicate effectively and get credit for their writing and speaking skills.

Required Reading
2016-06-09 Presentation Skills for Students Red Globe Press
ISBN 1137576499 ISBN-13 9781137576491

This is the essential guide to the most transferable of all student skills: delivering a presentation clearly, coherently and confidently. Written in a friendly and accessible style, it takes the fear out of public speaking and helps students to acquire the skills they need to deliver effective presentations at university and in their future careers. Revised and updated throughout, it provides readers with practical guidance on controlling their nerves, creating visual aids and structuring presentations. This is an invaluable resource for students of all disciplines in further or higher education who have to give presentations as part of their course. It is also ideal for recent graduates looking to hone their presentation skills as they enter the job market.

Required Reading
2013-04-09 The Study Skills Handbook Palgrave
ISBN 1137289252 ISBN-13 9781137289254

This is the ultimate guide to study skills, written by international best-selling author Stella Cottrell. Her tried and tested approach, based on over twenty years experience of working with students, has helped over a million students to achieve their potential. When it comes to studying, there is no one-size fits all approach. This accessible guide shows students how to tailor their learning to their individual needs in order to boost their grades, build their confidence and increase their employability. Fully revised for the fourth edition, it contains everything students need to succeed. This is an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of all disciplines, and is also ideal for postgraduates, mature students and international students. It prepares students for what to expect before, during and after their studies at university.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

.

 

Journal Resources

.

URL Resources
Other Resources

Lecture theatre, computer laboratory and flat classroom.

Additional Information

None