You must choose a topic within one of the disciplines of environmental science (geoscience, environmental chemistry or ecology). You must restrict your review to the role of science in environmental management for that discipline. You may decide to review one specific topic or a range of topics within that discipline.
Scientific papers can be pretty daunting at first but this is the form in which original research first appears. Primary scientific references describe the rationale for the investigation, the approaches, methods and the findings. Secondary references are a step removed from the original work and include review articles. You will be writing a review article, and you must include at least 12 peer reviewed scientific papers that report the results of research in your chosen discipline. Each student should independently decide which specific topic to review.
The topic must be in the category of one of the environmental disciplines covered in this course (i.e. geoscience, environmental chemistry or ecology). You are also encouraged to look critically at scientific data. In the first lecture you will learn about the nature of science and why scientific experiments can be so difficult to carry out. The experimental design and execution inevitably has many shortcomings and if you come to appreciate the inherent difficulties you will be better equipped to spot weaknesses in published research and to undertake critical review. In the first Scientific Writing Workshop (Literature reviews) you will learn how to set out your topic and how to present your critical analysis of the literature.
Your review should be no longer than 2000 words, excluding tables, graphs and reference list. Use sub-headings to structure your review.
Assessment will be according to the guidelines provided at the first lecture.
Extensions will only be granted for exceptional circumstance (which does not include workload or computer problems!) and with prior written permission by the unit convenor. Unapproved late submission will attract a 10% per calendar day penalty.
The final assignment mark will be out of 30, or 30 % of the total unit mark. The marks allocated for the various assessment criteria are as in the table below.
Criterion Weighting
Description 5
· Clearly articulates aims and scope of review
· Accurately and succinctly describes objectives and outcomes of review literature
Analysis of the literature 15
· Contribution of reviewed literature
· Evidence evaluated critically
· Strengths and weaknesses clearly identified
Presentation and structure 10
· Well-planned review with clear structure, sub-headings and logical argument firmly based on the literature cited
· Well written paper formatted for effective communication with correct grammar and spelling and correct use of professional terminology as appropriate
· Literature correctly cited and full bibliographic details provided
Total 30
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
Be able to critically review peer-reviewed scientific literature that deals with environmental science problems.
Develop skills in synthesising information on environmental science research, and presenting it in written, oral and visual forms.
Develop skills in both individual research and working in groups.
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