BI2EZ45-Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology 2

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: BI1EZ12 Key Skills in Ecology and Zoology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Renee Lee
Email: r.b.y.lee@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will provide students with tutorials and lectures in transferrable skills relevant to study and future careers in Zoology and Ecology and related professions. These will include generic skills and also subject specific skills, and the content will build on and enhance the skills covered in key skills 1.

Aims:
Students will gain experience in six key skills areas applicable across the biosciences: Study Skills, Writing Skills, Mathematical/Statistic Skills, Computer Literacy, Career Skills and Critical Analysis. Additionally, they will gain skills and understanding relevant to Zoology and Ecology, including practical skills, understanding of the social context of their subject and skills relevant to enhancing employability.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Show awareness of: exam technique/revision skills, time management and including essay writing for exams.


2. Demonstrate the ability to write in various styles, including essays, scientific reports, CV and cover letters; with the ability to reference sources in an appropriate manner.


3. Show application of advanced mathematical skills appropriate to their chosen degree, such as calculations of dilutions, formulae etc., statistics, and data analysis. Whilst also applying these skills in the context of experimental design.


4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant computer skills, including use of key packages, e.g. Excel, Minitab, Powerpoint and the ability to access and use online resources and specialist packages/Apps.


5. Demonstrate awareness of how their skills and knowledge can be transferable into the workplace, and ability to plan and follow their chosen career path.


6. Show a critical approach to reading and appraising scientific literature.

Additional outcomes:
Demonstrate awareness of scientific literature relevant to Zoology and Ecology.

Outline content:
A series of lectures and workshops will be delivered by module staff and invited speakers on areas relevant to core skills (e.g. career planning). These will include, writing styles for science, experimental design and maths/statistics, presenting scientific data, accessing and using specialist packages, making the most of MS Office, career path planning and professionalism. Lectures will be supported by guided discussion in tutorials/seminars, case studies, worked examples and guided independent study.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A series of lectures and group tutorials will deliver core content relating to study skills, writing, mathematics/statistics, computer literacy, career skills and critical analysis. Invited speakers will present material for in-depth discussion during tutorials. Additionally, practice of key skills through worked examples will take place during tutorials. Tutors will deliver subject specific material in group tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	5
Tutorials	10	10
Guided independent study:	35	35
Total hours by term	50	50
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
No examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A variety of summative assessments will be used in this module to assess student's attainment in accordance with the assessable learning outcomes.

Formative assessment methods:
Worked examples and case studies encountered in tutorials will provide the opportunity for formative feedback from staff and peers as well as self-reflection.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
In course assessment work

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023