Overview

This module is designed to introduce a range of skills required for a degree in BCC Forestry and to encourage wider reading around the degree subject. The module also introduces key subject specific findings and literature.

In BCC, the initial function of the academic tutorials is to help bridge students from a Chinese style of teaching to a UK style. Students meet weekly with their lecturer and then move over to the Bangor timetable. During the first tutorial, tutors will discuss with their students the nature of the course, and the learning outcomes that are to be achieved. The tutor will lead a discussion on a topic for study, and the students will receive a list of suggested reading and a description of the task to be completed (i.e., essay or presentation). In subsequent tutorials, students will receive formative feedback on presented work, and the tutor will introduce the following topics and tasks. The course content is specific to Forestry. The following overarching themes are covered: the importance of factual accuracy when conveying information to the public and others, the role of a sound evidence base in policy making, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) Demonstrate a basic understanding of the main points of the subject material through either verbal or written communication. Able to abstract a scientific paper demonstrating a basic understanding of source material.

Good (C- to B+) Demonstrate a good understanding of the main points of the subject material through both verbal and written communication. Communicate ideas effectively without major omissions or deviations from the point. Able to abstract a scientific paper demonstrating good understanding of the source material.

Excellent (A- and above) Demonstrate a full understanding of the main points of the subject material through both verbal and written communication. Communicate ideas very effectively in a succinct yet thorough manner. Able to abstract a scientific paper demonstrating full understanding of source material.

Learning Outcomes

• Students can appraise, assess, and share knowledge.

• Students can collate, summarise, and analyse scientific literature to produce abstracts.

• Students can communicate effectively using logical, well-structured scientific essays drawing upon appropriate, and correctly referenced, information from the scientific literature.

• Students can demonstrate their understanding of forestry principles and can relate this understanding orally through oral presentations (using appropriate visual aids within a given time limit).

• Students demonstrate the ability to consider issues associated with basic forestry concepts.

• Students demonstrate understanding of basic forestry theories, paradigms, concepts and can define both technical forestry and general scientific terms.

• Students integrate lines of evidence from a range of sources. This includes the ability to utilise library facilities effectively to undertake literature searches.