GV1SKL: Skills in Geography and Environmental Science

Module code: GV1SKL

Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Rob Fry, email: r.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 20 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides all students in Geography and Environmental Science with an introduction to the discipline whilst making students aware of the academic standards and integrity expected at undergraduate level. The module will introduce some key skills required in environmental science and geographical research, using real-world examples and data.  

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of academic practice, including sourcing and referencing relevant literature. 
2. Produce maps of good cartographic quality using spatial (primary and secondary) data. 
3. Analyse real-world data and interpret the results. 
4. Work independently and organise work assignments according to a standard format.  

Module content

During the first few weeks the module will focus on the transition to the university learning environment, or academic skills. A series of lectures, seminars and workshops will cover a range of topics covering key themes including an introduction to the virtual learning environment; essay/report writing and note-taking skills; employability and careers; and referencing and library skills.  

Students will learn to apply some key geographical skills such as (but not limited to) GIS, remote sensing, and the analysis of data. The students will demonstrate their understanding of these analytical, laboratory and IT skill sets through formative assessments during the module, which lead to a summative guided project report. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The introductory sessions (first 4 weeks) will be composed of a series of seminars, interactive lectures, and class discussions. For the second half of the module, the teaching and learning methods will be mixed, involving a series of lectures and IT sessions, based on the research topic type.  

The approach is 'hands-on', with students encouraged to analyse, interrogate, and discuss data, supported by the relevant literature sources. Students will beencouraged to consolidate techniques learnt during practical sessions in their own time on their own personal computers or on-campus. Additional support sessions and drop-ins are arranged throughout the semesters. Interactive student support tools, such as a virtual ‘support forum’ help to support a knowledge base of FAQs and peer-to-peer learning. Formative blackboard tests will run at regular intervals during the module so students can demonstrate their learning and understanding of different skills taught.  

Guest speakers will involve topic specialists within the department of Geography and Environmental Science, the university Subject Librarian, and members of staff from the Career’s Office.  

Study hours

At least 34 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Self-evaluation in class with lecturer support, using the assessment criteria and exemplars to clarify understanding of the assessment. Formative blackboard tests will run at regular intervals during the module so students can demonstrate their understanding of different skills taught. Students will receive regular feedback from these formative tests. 

Reassessment

Additional costs