This module explores fundamental issues in second and foreign language learning and teaching. It is designed to enable language teachers to inform their...

Fundamentals of Second and Foreign Language Teaching (CCME0048)

This module explores fundamental issues in second and foreign language learning and teaching. It is designed to enable language teachers to inform their practice through an enhanced understanding of language knowledge and processing, of pedagogical grammar and of language teaching methodologies. Students learn to describe and analyse the language systems (i.e. grammar, lexis, phonology, discourse) for pedagogic purposes, examining concepts such as the noun phrase and the verb phrase, discourse, lexis and lexico-grammar, and explore elements of phonology using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Students additionally enhance their understanding of processes involved in comprehending and producing language. The module also addresses common language teaching methodologies, with reference to form focused instruction, communicative language teaching and task-based instruction, and considers various approaches to teaching productive and receptive skills. Throughout the module there will be a focus on the notion of appropriate methodology for different educational settings.

Applied Genetics|Biology|Data Collection and Processing|Evolution|Quantitative Analysis

BIOL0028 is a field module centred at Zahara de los Atunes in southern Spain for 10 days during the Easter vacation. The module introduces research techniques...

Field module in Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (BIOL0028)

BIOL0028 is a field module centred at Zahara de los Atunes in southern Spain for 10 days during the Easter vacation. The module introduces research techniques for investigating the genetics, evolution, and ecology of natural populations of plants and animals. You will be collecting and analysing quantitative data, so as well as a strong interest in evolution and ecology, you need to be comfortable working with numbers and understand the basics of statistics and population genetics.

For the first few days you will do a selection of set projects in large groups, using various techniques to investigate the genetics, evolution, and ecology of natural populations of plants and animals. You will then design and conduct your own research projects, either individually or in pairs. Possible projects may be limited by the weather and the organisms we find. Assessment is based on performance and participation in the field, and presentation of your research project in a symposium held on the last day of the module.

Learning objectives:

Learn how to develop simple practical experimental tests to investigate abstract or complex evolutionary or ecological concepts.
	Learn how to manage time, resources, and labour to design and execute a complete scientific investigation from beginning to end.
	Experience the pleasure of scientific creativity, taking an inspiration from nature and producing an original research output from it.
	Learn by experience, by doing field experiments yourself.
Please note: students will be asked to contribute up to £100 to travel and accommodation costs. Bursaries are available to students for whom these costs would be prohibitive.