GV2ED-Environmental Diagnostics

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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Elizabeth Shaw
Email: e.j.shaw@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Environmental Diagnostics refers to the identification and analysis of the state of the environment and the factors that are affecting it.  Through a case study, this module will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics.   The module will cover sampling and data quality objectives in environmental diagnostics, the measurement and monitoring of environmental parameters, including physical, chemical and biological environmental indicators. The module will also cover the presentation and interpretation of environmental diagnostic data.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics, including: sampling and data quality objectives; measurement and monitoring of physical, chemical and biological environmental indicators; presentation and interpretation of environmental diagnostic data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles and techniques used in environmental diagnostics for monitoring the health of the environment.


2. Design and execute a field-based sampling and monitoring regime to enhance understanding of an environmental problem


3.  Select and follow appropriate laboratory protocols for sample preparation and analysis


4. Present and interpret environmental diagnostic data and evaluate its limitations and uncertainties.


5. Communicate effectively the outcome of an environmental diagnostic investigation in a clear and concise manner.

Additional outcomes:

Teamworking, oral communication; lab and fieldwork health and safety issues.

Outline content:

 

Lecture/seminar content

• Introduction to Environmental Diagnostics principles


•  “Presenting complaints”, symptoms and signs. 


• Background to forest declines, cause-effect, tipping points and feedbacks, Case study site introduction


• Sampling design for Environmental Diagnostics


• Environmental indicators (including diagnosing the (tree) patient)


• Writing an investigation plan


• Field and lab work risk assessment


• Data visualisation and analysis


• Writing a research note

Field and (wet/PC) lab content

• The symptoms and signs: tree health indicators (practice)


• Physico-chemical indicators (practice)


• Biological/ecological indicators (practice)


• Field sampling and monitoring at case study site


• Supervised (lab) time: analysis of samples


• Data visualisation and analysis

Global context:

This module considers environmental and ecosystem processes and phenomena that are relevant to the state and functioning of the earth system.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered via a combination of lectures/screencasts, field visits and practical sessions

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	11	2
Seminars	4	1
Practicals classes and workshops	4	14
Fieldwork	4	8
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20	20	10
Wider reading (directed)	20
Peer assisted learning		5
Advance preparation for classes	4	10
Preparation for presentations	8
Group study tasks	8
Essay preparation		25	15
Reflection	7
Total hours by term	90	85	25
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentation (8 minutes), due timetable week 13

Research note (2,500 words) and data appendix, due timetable week 35  

Formative assessment methods:

Peer and tutor assessment and feedback on desktop study during Autumn term.

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:

Resubmission of Research Note and data appendix

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: 26 April 2023