Assessment Tasks

Due date

Monday 19th August

Length

3000 - 5000 words

Value

30%

Aim

To develop skills in clear and concise presentation of fauna and flora survey data, and be able to make conclusions and recommendations based on results.

Task

Using information collected during the survey, students will write a report that clearly and concisely presents the data, interprets the analyses and synthesises the results into meaningful discussion. The structure of the report should be based on the following points:

1. Executive Summary - one page summary of main findings and conclusions of the survey
2. Table of contents, list of tables, list of figures, list of appendices
3. Introduction - give background information of the survey area, summarise previous research done in the park and state the aims of the current survey
4. Methods - location, general description of survey area (topography, soils, vegetation), sampling design and site locations, sampling methods, statistical analysis
5. Results - analyse and present results of environmental, flora and fauna data
6. Discussion - summarise main results from environmental, flora and fauna data. Assess conservation significance, identify threats to area and make conclusions
7. References - list of all references cited in the report
8. Species list - list of all species recorded during the 2002 survey.

Assessment Criteria

The following are the assessment criteria for Assessment Item 2.

Introduction
Is the purpose of the study clearly stated?
Are the specific objectives outlined precisely?
Is the relevance of undertaking the survey with respect to previous knowledge clearly outlined?

Methods
Is the description of the study complete?
Is sufficient detail given to the description of the methods?

Results
Are results clearly described in text?
Is sufficient detail provided?
Are tables and figures clearly presented (including captions)?
Have all results been described?

Discussion
Does the discussion connect findings with literature and previous knowledge of the area?
Are limitations to findings discussed?
Is the interpretation of findings correct?

Conclusion
Is the significance of the findings made clear?
Are conclusions based on evidence?
Were the stated objectives achieved?

Presentation
Is the writing fluent and succinct?
Are spelling and punctuation correct and sentences grammatically well formed?
Is the report correctly structured and the text legible and well set out?

Refereences
Are an adequate number of references used?
Is correct and consistent referencing used throughout?
Are all sources clearly acknowledged?
Is the reference list correctly presented? Does it contain all sources used in the essay?