Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Skills in Zoology
Code LIFE331
Coordinator Dr SU Voelkel
School of Life Sciences
Svoelkel@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5
This refers to timetabled lectures in which topics are introduced
15
This refers to approximately fortnightly timetabled research seminars that are part of the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour seminar series
5

     3
This refers to scheduled workshops to introduce poster presentation skills and employability skills
12
This refers to an educational zoo visit, career events and a poster exhibition
40
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1000 words  Semester 1 or 2  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Paper critiqu 
Coursework  500 words  Semester 1 or 2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Mock job application 
Coursework  A1 poster  Semester 1 or 2  25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Poster 
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1 or 2  25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Communication to scientific audience 
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 2  25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Communication to lay audience Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be a written paper critique.Assessment 2 will be a a mock job application. Assessment 3 will be a group poster including a mini-presentation. Assessment 4 will be a written communication for a scientific non-specialist audience (e.g. News and Views article). Assessment 5 will be a communication to the general public using a choice from a variety of formats (e.g. podcast, brochure, newspaper article). 

Aims

  • To enhance the core skills acquired in Levels 4 and 5, including communication and study skills, scientific, and broader employability skills in the context of zoology

  • To encourage students to synthesize information from different sources within zoology, and to integrate skills and knowledge from across the curriculum

  • To provide advice and guidance for career development and employability for zoology graduates
     
    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    To effectively communicate zoological facts, data and concepts to expert and lay audiences, using a range of media, both written and verbal

    To critically evaluate the work of others, including scientific presentations and publications in the area of zoology
    To produce well presented and appropriately targeted job applications 

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures in which topics are introduced

    Seminar - This refers to approximately fortnightly timetabled research seminars that are part of the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour seminar series

    Tutorial -

    Workshop - This refers to scheduled workshops to introduce poster presentation skills and employability skills

    Other - This refers to an educational zoo visit, career events and a poster exhibition

    Syllabus
    1 

    Communicating zoological facts and comcepts to various audiences

    • Key aspects of verbal and written communications
    • Communicating to non-specialist scientific audiences
    • Communicating to the general public

    Scientific research (in the context of zoology)
    • Students attend weekly research seminars within the Department for Evolution, Environment and Behaviour (Topics depend on the seminar schedule)
    • Students read and discuss in their tutorial group 4-5 recent research articles in the area of zoology
    Poster
    • Key aspects of poster communications
    • How to produce a poster
    • How to effectively present a poster
    • Students present their work at a poster exhibition (including mini-presentations)
    Your career as a zoology graduate
    • Employability skills
    • How to produce an effective job application
    • Jobs for Zoology graduates
    • Career-focused visit to Zoo (e.g. Chester Zoo) 

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: