Science project course: environmental science practical project
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In Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390), you’ll undertake an independent practical investigation of an environmental science or environmental management topic. You’ll design your investigation, collect data (in the field, at home, in a laboratory, or online), analyse it and produce a scientific report. Possible research areas include climate effects on phenology, tidal cycles, weather and the ecology of rocky shores, environmental effects on plant water uptake and freshwater invertebrates, and environmental monitoring. The study materials guide planning and conducting project work, searching and using the literature, and writing a report. But ultimately, this is a chance for you to plan and execute a piece of work for yourself.
What you will study
Early in the module, the study materials, tutorials and discussions with your tutor will guide you to identify a suitable topic area and develop a research question. We’ll provide some examples of topics you could investigate; however, you can choose a topic from any suitable area of environmental science or environmental management in agreement with your tutor. Your chosen research area is likely to be informed by your previous studies and experience. Your project will involve collecting primary data (in the field, at home, or in a laboratory at your workplace) or using secondary data from online sources. Additionally, you’ll search scientific literature to identify key research to provide context for your own investigation.
Once you’ve settled on a project idea, you’ll audit the knowledge and skills required to complete your project and identify ways of developing areas that need improvement. You’ll also produce a project plan (your study planner for the duration of the module) and complete risk and ethical assessments for your investigation.
After you complete the initial planning, you’ll start the data collection and analysis process. You’ll follow this with the final phase of writing up your report, submitted as part of your end of module assessment. The study materials guide planning and conducting project work, help with searching and using literature, guide data analysis and report writing. Tutorials will provide further guidance and support.
Throughout the module, you’ll keep a reflective log to help you track and reflect on your progress. You’ll record any problems you encounter and develop actions, with help from your tutor, to help you move forward.
Entry requirements
SXE390 is an OU level 3 module; therefore, you need a good knowledge of environmental science obtained through OU level 1 to 3 study or another higher education institution. There are no formal entry requirements.
We recommend you have completed:
The parts of S206/SXF206 and S397 relating to project work and data collection and analysis are especially important.
We strongly recommend that you check your background and experience are sufficient to tackle this module. We’ve found that appropriately prepared students have the best chance of completing their studies and get the most enjoyment from the module.
Are you ready for SXE390?
Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.
Note: If you’re studying towards a degree, SXE390 is intended as your final module. It runs from February to September, meaning you’ll receive your module result and degree classification in November. This late result may impact your study plans if you’re considering continuing on to postgraduate study.
Preparatory work
We recommend you familiarise yourself with the Library search tool and referencing guide.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a study planner
- course-specific module materials
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.