Abbott, P. and Sapsford, R. (1997) Research Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Crena, P. and Lea, M. R. (1997) Writing at University, Buckingham, Open University Press
Fairbairn, G. J. and Winch, C. (1998) Reading, Writing and Reasoning, 2nd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press

(a) A 20-30 minute group presentation including time for questions and answers (65%) [1, 3, 4, 5, 7]
This must include a power-point series of slides to be used in the presentation and submitted electronically.
Also each member of the group will be required to maintain a group work log which will be used to demonstrate the level of contribution and if necessary differential grading within the group.

(b) A 1250-1500 individual rapporteurs report (35%) [2, 3, 5, 6, 8].


Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: the weekly seminar sessions will provide regular opportunities for students to receive formative feedback on the team activities that they are required to complete. This will include opportunities for students to receive feedback on presentation plans and draft versions of the power-point.

For students with a specific assessed disability reasonable adjustments in the assessment format can be made if necessary.

The module will be delivered by a combination of:
(a) 8 weekly 1 seminar sessions. These sessions will include:
- Two whole group sessions led by tutors including introducing the module and preparing for the assessment conference,
- Compulsory group working sessions without staff attendance,
- Project supervisor guidance (30 minute sessions as and when necessary)

(b) One 2-3 hour end of module conference attended by all student groups and supervisors.
(c) directed activity and independent learning. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences with other groups using the VLE. The fora will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor

(1:n)2, (1:1)3

This module will require students to examine and consider the applied nature of EITHER bio- OR geo-informatics from a synergistic perspective by researching themes relevant to their award. Students will do this through a group research study approach. Groups of 4 students (award distinct) will be allotted a relevant applied theme e.g. geo-informatics in retailing or hazard management; bio-informatics in drug design or modelling gene regulation networks in disease; which they will then have to research using advanced enquiry skills and typically evaluate the nature of the context, the successful use of informatics in that context, the limitations / challenges and ethical dimension of the application theme and prospects for the future. Both the bio- and geo-informatics groups will present their group findings within a `conference? style format towards the end of the module with each student required to present a section. In this way group working and oral communication skills will be developed.

In addition, as members of the `conference? audience students will be expected to actively listen, ask questions and synthesise information from all the presentations so that they may gain a broad appreciation of the variety of applications of informatics in various employment sectors. Students will then create an individual rapporteur?s report combining the `conference? information plus individual research on the employment prospects in areas of bio- / geo-informatics.

None.

University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & Email facilities. Blackboard.