The module introduces students to accessing data and presenting evidence in support of sustainable development research and practice.
The module provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate their research findings in an academic context. This will entail knowing how to both cite and reference a variety of categories of publications, employing the Harvard referencing style. In addition, it will teach students how to strengthen their academic writing skills. The importance of practicing writing will be emphasised. The module will demonstrate to students how to source a range of appropriate online academic literature and resources.
The module will investigate the range of ‘fit for purpose’ data that can be sourced from key opensource, authoritative datasets and portals, such as: CSO, Pobal, EPA, NPWS and the OSI/CSO Geohive. Students will learn how to: enter data into a spreadsheet, do simple calculations, format the layout of tables and produce graphs to illustrate their data. Finally they will be given an introduction to statistical analysis.
The module will be comprised of two components.
The first component will focus on essential study skills.
Referencing
The Harvard referencing style will be outlined to students.
Sourcing academic publications
Students will be shown how to source academic publications from data bases contained in the TU Dublin online library.
Academic writing
An introduction to academic writing will be outlined. Students will be made aware of resources available to improve their academic writing style.
The second component will focus on topics associated with an introduction to data management and presentation.
Sourcing data
Students will be shown how to source discipline-related data related to a range of sustainable development targets and indicators from a range of appropriate data sources.
Data manipulation
An introduction to data analysis through Excel will be provided. This will entail how to set up spreadsheets, use excel formula, present data in graph form and to adjust the formatting of spreadsheets.
Learners will explore how to source, manipulate and present data (i.e. pertaining to several administrative boundaries including Electoral Divisions and Small Area Populations).
Statistics
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics will be outlined.
Lectures, group work, tutorials and lab-based computer workshops to undertake class exercises
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |