AESC40470 Practical Research Skills

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module gives an opportunity for hands-on learning in a wide range of practical research skills used in the Agri-Environmental, Biological & Ecological Sciences. The module is taught through a combination of formal lectures and practical classes done in both the laboratory and field. The use of stable Isotope methods applicable in a wide range of basic and applied biological/ecological research will be covered. Good laboratory practices that are key to obtaining accurate research data will also be taught. Field trips scheduled in April will be made to Co. Wicklow, to illustrate and use a range of soil and plant sampling techniques, and to Lyons Estate Co. Kildare, to illustrate the practical use of field methods in wildlife studies. The field trips will go ahead if acceptable within covid-19 regulations at the time.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in the use of a wide range of laboratory and field-based research skills. The knowledge of working procedures gained will be immediately relevant and transferable to academic research, and/or use in the workplace in many State/Semi-state agencies and consultancy in the private sector. Students will also further develop their reporting and written communication skills through the generation of practical work reports, which make up an important part of the assessment of this module.

Indicative Module Content:

Field work; laboratory skills; stable isotopes; bird monitoring; plant biodiversity.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

16
Field Trip/External Visits

12
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; small group work; lectures; laboratory sessions and field work. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Wicklow field trip report Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

35
Assignment: Lyons Fieldtrip report Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

35
Assignment: Controlled outdoor observation Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given individually to students post-assessment.

Name Role
Dr Thomas Cummins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Barry John McMahon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Olaf Schmidt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Sheridan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32, 33 Thurs 13:00 - 14:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring