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: 2020/1

Email: j.mitchley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module develops key professional skills associated with the office-based elements of ecological consultancy. The module introduces the ecological consultancy industry (how it works, what it does and why it is needed), covers relevant wildlife legislation and planning policy, background data searches, development planning, project management, tendering and the methodical steps of ecological impact assessment.

Aims:

• To introduce the ecological consultancy industry;


• To introduce relevant wildlife legislation (covering what is protected and how it is protected), development planning (how ecology fits into the planning process), records searches, report writing and ecological impact assessment; and


• To introduce consultancy project management and project tendering.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and communicate findings appropriately based on the target audience;


• Identify the possible requirements of an Ecological Appraisal and produce a quote for a client (identifying what surveys are required, why they are required and how much it might cost).

Additional outcomes:

• Knowledge of the ecological consultancy industry, biological recording, wildlife legislation, development planning, ecological impact assessment and biodiversity assessment.


• Working in a team to achieve objectives to a tight deadline.

Outline content:

• Introduction to ecological consultancy


• Wildlife legislation


• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal


• Protected animal species and botanical surveys


• Development Planning 


• Invertebrate survey in consultancy


• Ecological Impact Assessment


• Report writing


• Remote sensing and GIS


• Tender writing & project management


• Biodiversity Ne t Gain and Ecosystem Services

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Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, seminars and workshops and roleplay exercises.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Social media assignment (50%);


2. Writing assignment (25%); and


3. Poster assignment (25%).

Formative assessment methods:

Class discussion and feedback sessions, peer learning, team work.

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: 6 October 2020