Module OSX-9001:
International Experience

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

30 Credits or 15 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Jaco Baas

Overall aims and purpose

The International Experience Placement module provides an opportunity for students to extend their understanding of their degree subject area by a period of study or work abroad. The module will also raise students' awareness of cross-cultural and transnational issues as they apply both within and outside their degree subject. It is expected that the module, as part of their degree course, will enhance students’ experience and employment opportunities.

Course content

Each student will spend an extended period studying at a Host Institution or working overseas. During the module students will be encouraged to pursue studies or work relevant to the degree subject area. They will also learn about the country in which they are based, with particular emphasis on understanding and applying subject-specific knowledge in a different cultural setting. The content of the module will be designed for each student in discussion with the Host Institution/Organisation and will include elements of directed learning and/or supervision

Assessment Criteria

good

(Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

The report is logically structured. It contains detailed descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described. There is some analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge but there is little critical evaluation. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with only some emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

excellent

(Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

The report is logically structured and with threads that create a holistic, coherent whole. It contains detailed and insightful descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described with some exploration of the synergies between the various sources of knowledge. There is a well argued, critical analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, both as a retrospective description of the placement experience and as a critical reflection on how the experiences might shape future learning.

threshold

(Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%) There are weaknesses in the way that the report is structured, resulting in repetition and/or lack of clarity. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student but with evidence that the descriptions have not been fully developed. Knowledge directly related to the student’s degree subject is described but with little emphasis on any other knowledge acquired. There is little analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge and there is no evidence of critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with little emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Learning outcomes

    1. Have demonstrated that they have acquired knowledge, understanding and skills that will enhance these aspects in relation to their BU programme subject area. It is expected that the level of this enhanced learning and academic ability is appropriate to the timing of their visit.
    1. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on the full range of their experiences and express this in written form in a manner that is concordant with their academic level at the time of their visit.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
REPORT Placement report/poster

1) For module-based year:

  1. Introduction (~300 words)
  2. Account of the modules taken, (i) covering the major topics addressed in each module and (ii) noting the marks achieved in each module. (~4000words)
  3. A summary of the marks achieved in each module and letter of host tutor (words do not count).
  4. An account of personal experience gained during the placement. (~1700 words)

2) For work placement year

  1. Introduction (~300 words)
  2. Risk assessments of activities (this section should be filled before the start of the placement year): word count of this section is not included in the report
  3. Methods and results (~4000 words): this section should be dominated by the methods; preliminary results or written account of results are sufficient if there are conflicts of presenting results in report.
  4. An account of the experiences gained during the placement. (~1700 words)

*Note 1: In addition to achieving a pass mark for the Report, in order to pass the module students must fulfil the requirements defined for each placement. Evidence of attendance and/or participation and/or any other requirements will be provided by the Host Institution as defined by the agreement between the University and the Host Institution.

Note 2: The low word counts, relative to the guideline in the University's Code of Practice for the Assessment of Students on Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Courses, places emphasis on producing a structured and concise document consistent with focussed professional reports.

Note 3: If a student is unable to complete, due to force majeure or extenuating circumstances, study that enables them to complete the modules (or if they are transferred to one of the modules from credit-bearing modules), then with guidance from the School, the student can complete assessments:

Report not exceeding 6,000 words. The report will assess Learning Outcomes 1-2. The report will be based on a topic defined by the School which allows students to explore subject-specific knowledge in an international context and to reflect on their learning experiences.*

 100

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Individual Project

Notional Learning Hours: 1,200 hours. This equates to a minimum placement of 30 weeks (at 40 hrs/week) or two semester terms. The time allocated to the taught elements and private study will vary depending on the arrangements for each placement, as will the format of the taught elements.

The experience of students will differ considerably in terms of their classroom hours, or work placement hours: therefore we see each student plan as an individual project composed either of (1) a formal lectures/practical or (2) practical work associated to a placement. In both cases, the nature of the lectures/practicals/placement will vary among host institutions.

(1) For academic study visits, the measure of effort can therefore only be quantified by credit rating rather than contact time and self-study time etc. SOS assumes that completion of the required credits locally as well as completion of the specific assessment for this module will equate to an average of 40 hours per week.

(2) For work placement activity, the contact time should be aligned to the typical working-week for the country in question. Typically, it is expected that this will be <40 hrs / week. However, time will be required to complete the assessment task.

 100

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

Subject specific skills

  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Courses including this module