Module overview
The module consists of the main Oceanography undergraduate fieldcourse which takes place at the end of Semester 2 (late June to early July) following the exam period plus some work on report writing and data presentation in Semester 1 of the following academic year.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Give a short oral presentation, supported by visual aids, to outline scientific method, analysis and results.
- Working to strict deadlines within the fieldwork logistics and Semester 1 reporting.
- Presentation of results and analysis (poster/web, oral and written).
- Plan an oceanographic survey of an estuary or area of coastal sea.
- Produce an effective webpage design to communicate scientific method, analysis and discussion.
- Work effectively within a group either as leader or member of that group.
- Working at sea in a range of boat types and sizes and using a wide range of oceanographic field equipment. Data acquisition from a range of instrumentation and laboratory techniques.
- Fieldwork planning skills and logistics.
- Data analysis using generalised and specialist software.
- Ability to work within a group, both as leader and member.
- Collect and analyse data in such a fashion as to understand the environmental processes operating within the system and understand some of the interactions between them.
- Write a concise scientific report, describing data analysis and results and comparing them with published material.
Syllabus
During the fieldcourse, located in Plymouth, you will get three days sea time working from a variety of boats collecting samples and data that describe the marine chemistry, physics and biology of the estuarine and coastal environment around Plymouth and the Western Approaches. Each group will work from the top of the estuary to about 15 miles offshore during the fieldcourse. By the end of the course a dataset will exist describing the water-column characteristics for 12 days. Each of the undergraduate groups will work with their tutor and other staff to plan and execute each fieldwork day and subsequent sample and data analysis following the baotwork. Full analysis of the data sets will take place on return to Southampton in the Autumn term along with oral presentations of the group work.
Learning to work within a group, taking a variety of roles and planning your activities within time and facility restrictions are all important skills that you will gain during the course. Lectures given during the course will assist you and your group in producing a clear and informative group logbook and data analysis.
A group presentation outlining your results in which all students will present a section of the work (assessed) will take place in week 3 of Semester 1 of the following academic year. An individual holistic report (300 words maximum), describing the estuarine and coastal marine 'system' around Falmouth will be handed in December of the following academic year (assessed).
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
In Plymouth
Fieldcourse: A 7 day field course based around Plymouth, working in the estuary and offshore. You will work from a variety of vessels from the top of the Falmouth estuary to 30km offshore.
Laboratory Sessions: To complement the field sampling, lab sessions will work up the samples taken and analyse the data.
Within this framework of scientific activity groups will have to develop and build teamwork skills, delegate and organise within the group, and to manage time in an effective and constructive way if all the tasks are to be completed.
A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
In Southampton
Formal Lectures: Seven lectures will provide support for group working and time management skills, web page design and presentation skills (PowerPoint), and data analysis:
Data analysis sessions: Sessions to guide students in data analysis as they prepare reports and presentations.
Presentations: In week 3 of Semester 1 a group presentation.
Additional support can be provided for those students who have further or specific needs.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 50 |
| Fieldwork | 83 |
| Seminar | 10 |
| Lecture | 7 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Total study time | 156 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Logbook, a working document to show the details of where and when the group did what and who did it, and dataset on server. Considered as part of the group mark and collected at the end of the fieldcourse. Tests Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Group (12.5%) and individual (12.5%) presentation: To show the other groups what your main results were during Plymouth. Strongly recommended that this is developed at the same time as your webpage, during the fieldcourse. Delivered in week 4 of Semester 1. Tests Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Individual report (70%): Written on one of the three holistic themes using data from any/all groups as well as published literature. 3000 word limit, 12 point font, 2.5cm margins all around, single spaced. This is the culmination of your personal synthesis of the datasets and will reflect your own ability to think holistically about the estuarine/coastal system Learning Outcomes 1,2,6
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Logbook
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual report | 75% |
| Group and individual presentation | 25% |