Module ONS-1001:
Environmental data & analysis
Module Facts
Run by School of Ocean Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 & 2
Organiser: Dr Jennifer Shepperson
Overall aims and purpose
To develop in students an understanding of the fundamental skills required by natural scientists to measure, map and quantify the environment in which they work. This includes the key concepts of the scientific method, experimental design, mapping, basic mathematical manipulations, data visualisation, and statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. Students should become confident in the use of appropriate computer software (Excel, R and/or Matlab) to analyse environmental data.
Course content
This module provides students with the fundamental skills required by natural scientists to answer scientific questions with environmental data.
Theory is put into practice through computer sessions, to apply a range of data analysis techniques to environmental data. In the first semester students are introduced to the scientific method, how to describe samples numerically and graphically, and how to test hypotheses statistically to identify differences and relationships between variables.
In the second semester, as well as additional statistical theory and practical sessions, skills are applied in a subject specific project. In this project, students conduct a scientific investigation, including collecting and analysing data; the results of this data analysis are communicated in the style of a scientific report.
Assessment Criteria
threshold
A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the scientific method, have a basic ability to quantitatively manipulate datasets using a range of fundamental mathematical tools using appropriate computer software, and be able to use and interpret statistical tests.
good
A good student should competent at quantitatively manipulating datasets using a range of fundamental mathematical tools, have a good ability to interpret datasets and be able to confidently use and interpret statistical tests using appropriate computer software.
excellent
An excellent student should have a sophisticated knowledge of quantitatively manipulating datasets using a range of fundamental mathematical tools, have an advanced ability to interpret datasets and be highly skilled in the use and interpretation of statistical tests using appropriate computer software.
Learning outcomes
-
Identify and explain the most appropriate strategy for analysing data, including recognising the assumptions and limitations of each approach.
-
Produce simple maps to communicate scientific methods or findings.
-
Communicate the results of scientific investigations and data analysis in the style of a scientific report.
-
Manipulate, summarise, visualise, and analyse data using Excel and R computer software.
-
Numerically and graphically summarise data to communicate key scientific results.
-
Explain hypothetico-deductive reasoning, and formulate testable hypotheses.
-
Apply inferential statistical tests to data to test a hypothesis, to investigate differences or relationships, interpreting the results in the context of the subject specific research question.
-
Report numerical values to an appropriate level of precision, and use appropriate units of measurement.
-
Plan and conduct a simple scientific investigation with appropriate regard to design and analysis issues.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
REPORT | Scientific Report | 50.00 | |
CLASS TEST | BB_Test_1 - Scientific method and describing samples | 20.00 | |
CLASS TEST | BB_Test_2 - Data analysis and hypothesis testing | 30.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Study group | Independent study groups to facilitate peer learning. |
20 |
Fieldwork | Fieldwork activity to collect data to map and measure the environment, and collect scientific data |
8 |
Private study | Approx. 5 hours per week each semester. Private self-study utilising directed reading materials and reinforcement of lecture, workshop, and project materials. |
85 |
Workshop | Timetabled support for the online computer practicals, with lecturer and demonstrators available to assist. |
15 |
Individual Project | Supervised data collection, analysis and write-up of a subject specific project. |
10 |
Lecture | Directed learning materials, including video lectures and short tasks. |
27 |
Private study | Online computer practical resources. One information pack per week, including computer practical handouts and tutorial videos |
15 |
Seminar | Online Q&A sessions, where further explanation and clarification are provided about the weeks lecture and practical material. |
20 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/ons-1001.htmlPre- and Co-requisite Modules
Pre-requisite of:
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- L700: BA Geography year 1 (BA/GEOG)
- L702: BA Geography (4 yr with placement) year 1 (BA/GEOG4)
- L701: BA Geography (with International Experience) year 1 (BA/GEOGIE)
- C163: BSC Applied Marine Biology year 1 (BSC/AMB4)
- C166: BSc Applied Marine Biology (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/AMB4IE)
- C183: BSC Appl.Terrestrial & Marine Ec 4 year 1 (BSC/APTME)
- C185: BSc Applied Terrestrial & Marine Ecology with Intl Exp (5yr) year 1 (BSC/APTMIE)
- C180: BSc Appl. Terrestrial &Marine Ec year 1 (BSC/ATME)
- C184: BSc App Terrestrial & Marine Ecology with Intl Experience year 1 (BSC/ATMEIE)
- C13P: BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology with Placement Yr year 1 (BSC/ATMEP)
- CC13: BSC Marine Biology/Zoology year 1 (BSC/BMZ)
- 8B76: BSc Marine Biology and Zoology (with International Exp) year 1 (BSC/BMZIE)
- CC1P: BSc Marine Biology with Zoology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/BMZP)
- D503: BSc Conservation with Forestry with International Experience year 1 (BSC/CFIE)
- 5DKD: BSc Conservation with Forestry year 1 (BSC/CWF)
- 5DLD: BSc Conservation with Forestry (four year) year 1 (BSC/CWF4)
- D447: BSC Environmental Conservation year 1 (BSC/ECON)
- D448: BSC Environmental Conservation year 1 (BSC/ECON4)
- D451: BSc Environmental Conservation (International Experience) year 1 (BSC/ENIE)
- F900: BSC Environmental Science year 1 (BSC/ES)
- F901: BSc Environmental Science (4 yr with placement) year 1 (BSC/ES4)
- F90F: BSc Environmental Science year 1 (BSC/ESF)
- 8U71: BSc Environmental Science (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/ESIE)
- D502: BSc Forestry with International Experience year 1 (BSC/FIE)
- D500: BSC Forestry year 1 (BSC/FOR)
- D50P: BSc Forestry with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/FP)
- F803: BSc Geography with Environmental Forestry year 1 (BSC/GEF)
- F804: BSc Geography with Environmental Forestry year 1 (BSC/GEF4)
- F807: BSc Geography with Environmental Forestry with Intl Exp year 1 (BSC/GEFIE)
- F650: BSC Geological Oceanography year 1 (BSC/GEO)
- F62F: BSc Geological Oceanography year 1 (BSC/GEOF)
- F800: BSC Geography year 1 (BSC/GEOG)
- F806: BSc Geography (4 yr with placement) year 1 (BSC/GEOG4)
- F802: BSc Geography (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/GEOGIE)
- 8S54: BSc Geological Oceanography (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/GEOIE)
- F842: BSc Marine Geography year 1 (BSC/MARG)
- C160: BSC Marine Biology year 1 (BSC/MB)
- C16F: BSc Marine Biology year 1 (BSC/MBF)
- C165: BSc Marine Biology (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/MBIE)
- CF17: BSC Marine Biology/Oceanography year 1 (BSC/MBO)
- CF1P: BSc Marine Biology and Oceanography with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/MBOP)
- C16P: BSc Marine Biology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/MBP)
- F710: BSC Marine Environmental Studies year 1 (BSC/MES)
- F713: BSc Marine Environmental Stud with International Experience year 1 (BSC/MESIE)
- F79P: BSc Marine Environmental Studies year 1 (BSC/MESP)
- C351: BSC Marine Vertebrate Zoology year 1 (BSC/MVZ)
- 2F11: BSc Marine Vertebrate Zoology (with International Experience year 1 (BSC/MVZIE)
- C35P: BSc Marine Vertebrate Zoology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/MVZP)
- F7F6: BSc Ocean and Geophysics year 1 (BSC/OGP)
- F700: BSC Ocean Science year 1 (BSC/OS)
- F70P: BSc Ocean Sciences with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/OSP)
- F840: BSc Physical Geography and Oceanography year 1 (BSC/PGO)
- F84P: BSc Physical Geography and Oceanography with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PGOP)
- C328: BSc Wildlife Conservation year 1 (BSC/WLC)
- C332: BSc Wildlife Conservation with Place Yr year 1 (BSC/WLCP)
- F850: Master of Environmental Science year 1 (M/ENVSCI)
- F851: MEnvSci Environmental Science with International Experience year 1 (MENVSC/ESIE)
- D512: MFor Forestry year 1 (MFOR/FOR)
- D514: MFor Forestry with International Experience year 1 (MFOR/FORIE)
- D513: MFor Forestry (with placement year) year 1 (MFOR/FORP)
- F801: MGeog Geography year 1 (MGEOG/G)
- F805: MGeog Geography with International Experience year 1 (MGEOG/GIE)
- 2W79: MMBiol Marine Biology (with International Experience) year 1 (MMBIOL/MBI)
- F652: MSci Geological Oceanography year 1 (MSCI/GO)
- C167: MSci Marine Biology year 1 (MSCI/MB)
- C171: MSci Marine Biology with International Experience year 1 (MSCI/MBIE)
- F712: MSci Marine Biology and Oceanography year 1 (MSCI/MBO)
- F71P: MSci Marine Biology and Oceanography with Placement Year year 1 (MSCI/MBOP)
- C17P: MSci Marine Biology with Placement Year year 1 (MSCI/MBP)
- C169: MSci Marine Biology and Zoology year 1 (MSCI/MBZ)
- C168: MSci Marine Vertebrate Zoology year 1 (MSCI/MVZ)
- F734: MSci Physical Oceanography year 1 (MSCI/PO)