Environmental Science MA, Research Skills, 15 credits

Aim

The student shall develop skills in implementing, communicating and publishing scientific results.

Course objectives

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
- write a scientific abstract and draft a scientific article (I101, I201).
- communicate scientific results in writing and orally (I101).
- analyse and present research data using basic statistical methods (I301).
- analyse and present research data using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (R102).
- describe the process of getting a scientific article through an international peer review process (I201).

Content

The course will give insights and tools regarding how to search and review scientific literature, write and edit scientific manuscripts, and give oral presentations.

It will also introduce the student to the basics of environmental monitoring, data acquisition and quality control. Furthermore, the course will provide knowledge about basic statistical concepts for data processing, including, e.g.,: distribution of data, confidence intervals, correlation, and regression.

The course will also provide basic skills in analysing and effectively presenting spatial data using GIS.

Finally the course will provide to the students knowledge about the different ways of publishing internationally and adequate strategies for selecting and implement the most appropriate way of publishing. Last but not least, it will demonstrate, based on practical examples, diverse pitfalls and best practices about how to interact with editors and reviewers.

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits (180 ECTS) or equivalent. English course 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Lectures, seminars and independent studies.

Examination form

I101: Individual assignments and oral presentation, 5.0 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

I201: Written assignment, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

R102: GIS project - report, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

T101: Written exam, 5.0 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the course syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within one year according to the specified examination forms. Thereafter the examination form is in according to the current course syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.