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Module

Change in the Countryside

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Module code
0IFY5
Module leader
Matt Reynolds
Module credits
15
Prerequisites
None
Min study time
150 hours
Contact Hrs within study time
60 hours
Teaching period
Semester 2

Module content

Changes in the countryside will provide a theme for further development of academic skills. Historical changes in land use will be investigated, researching main drivers and impacts. Case studies will be key, encompassing topics including, business practice, farming, real- and rural- estate management. An extended writing task will be set as an examination to ensure students are familiar and confident with a key assessment method they would encounter at degree level. A group project will test team working, research, evaluation and presentation skills, focussing on a case study where a change in rural land use is proposed. Students will be introduced to HE level academic skills such as critical evaluation. Referencing will be a particular focus.

Module outcomes

To pass this module, students must be able to:

  1. Complete an extended piece of academic writing under exam conditions
  2. Collaborate and research a case study as a team
  3. Present results of group research as a team
  4. Evaluate and reflect on a team task including peer review

Assessment

Assessment Description Weighting
Coursework Evaluation of teamwork including peer review linked to poster presentation (400 words) 10%
Examination Exam (1 hour) 50%
Practical Group poster presentation (15 min) 40%

Key texts

For online Talis resource list click here

10 Tips to Mentally Prepare for Exams | S-cool, the revision website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.s-cool.co.uk/articles/10-tips-to-mentally-prepare-for-exams

Bethell, Emily, & Milsom, Clare. (n.d.). Posters & presentations. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.

Bromley, P. (n.d.). Countryside management. E & FN Spon, 1990.

Copus, Julia. (n.d.). Brilliant writing tips for students. Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.

Cottrell, Stella. (n.d.). Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument (2nd ed). Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.

Creating an Effective PowerPoint - Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cirt.gcu.edu/teaching3/tips/powerpoint

Data Presentation - FSC Geography Fieldwork. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.geography-fieldwork.org/a-level/before-starting/data-presentation/

Effective Team-Working | SkillsYouNeed. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/team-working.html

Hall, Richard. (2008). Brilliant presentation: what the best presenters know, do and say. Harlow; New York: Pearson Prentice Hall Business. Retrieved from https://www.dawsonera.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp.rac.... data&target=https://www.dawsonera.com/shibboleth/ShibbolethLogin.html?dest=http s://www.dawsonera.com/abstract/9780273720966

Neville, Colin. (n.d.). The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism (3rd ed). Open University Press, 2016.

Pears, Richard, & Shields, Graham J. (n.d.). Cite them right: the essential referencing guide (10th ed). Palgrave, 2016.

Develop my skills for work | LifeSkills. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-develop-my-skills-for-work/school

Skills for OU Study - Skills for OU Study - Open University. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/skillsforstudy/index.php

Study Skills for 6th Form. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sixthformstudyskills.ncl.ac.uk/

Welcome to cite2write. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.qub.ac.uk/cite2write/home.html

Programme(s)
  • BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Equine Science and Business with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Farm Management with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) International Business Management with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) International Business Management (Food and Agribusiness) with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) International Equine and Agricultural Business Management with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Real Estate with Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management with Foundation Year
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