University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on an MSc programme in Sustainable Development

Planned timetable: 12.00 noon - 1.00 pm Tue

The purpose of this module is to provide experience and training in applied scientific writing and evaluation. This will be assessed via an academic literature review, a policy brief (based on the format and structure of POSTNotes produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Westminster) and a reflection on the process of translating academic review into policy advice . This allows students to apply conceptual considerations and critical evaluation to a real world context using a number of well-established formats that involve synthesis, evaluation and translation of scientific knowledge.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Students must have gained admission to one of the SD MSc programmes

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture per fortnight (during semesters 1 and 2), 3 field trips (during semesters 1 and 2)

Scheduled learning hours: 70

Guided independent study hours: 510

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: New Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A L Davies
Module teaching staff: Dr A Davies, Dr D McCauley, Dr E McLaughlin