MLA602 Assessment Brief
There is one summative assessment for MLA602. The assessment brief starts on page 9, but please read carefully all the information provided below.
Assessment deadline: Sunday 26th April 2026 – 2359 UK time (end of week 13)
Deadlines are particularly important. If you think you may miss a deadline, inform your tutor as soon as possible. Consult the Total Learning Package (TLP) for further information.
If you have studied before with MLA College, you should notice that this document includes a new section on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the preparation of your coursework – please carefully read this section as inappropriate use of AI may be considered an Academic Misconduct.
Introduction
Please read this document carefully as it gives the information you need to complete your coursework for this module. We advise you to contact your tutor as soon as possible if anything is unclear. During your studies with MLA College, you may be assessed through some or all the following types of assessment:
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is a collection of questions and tasks to assess your knowledge of the lectures you have just watched. Formative assessment questions can be found throughout the Total Learning Package (TLP) alongside the video lectures, after the lectures or included in the transcripts. They allow you to work through problems at your own pace to satisfy yourself that you have fully understood the teaching and learning which has been covered in the lecture.
We have provided all the answers to the formative questions, so that you can compare your answers with the ones provided and re-visit the lectures if necessary. You may also wish to discuss these in tutorials, or online with your fellow students in the discussion forum.
Your performance in these formative tasks is not marked by your course tutor and does not count towards the overall module mark. We highly recommend that you complete all the formative questions, as the module has been designed very carefully to use these questions to build your knowledge and understanding. Completing the formative questions will help you in writing your marked coursework – this is described in the section below.
Coursework
Coursework is submitted by fixed deadlines for marking and feedback. The marks that you achieve for your coursework count towards your overall module mark, and eventually, to your grade for the whole programme. Hence this type of assessment is often referred to as ‘summative.’
The assessment questions contained in this document focus on the learning outcomes of the module and this assessment document contains everything you need to prepare your module coursework. Please review the Learning Outcomes in the Module Record located on the TLP.
Support
Your course tutor is available for assistance and advice as required, although you are
expected to work autonomously throughout, conducting your own research to produce answers of an acceptable standard. This is a requirement of both distance learning and residential students.
The TLP contains several documents in the ‘Study Help’ section to support you with your learning and to help you complete your coursework. Please read all these documents carefully prior to attempting the assessment.
Your course tutor will be in touch at appropriate times throughout the module and will provide feedback on any draft work completed (see further advice on this below). In general, it is your responsibility to contact the tutor if you have any concerns, academically or otherwise.
Before you start writing
Before you start writing your coursework:
- listen to, read, or watch the relevant lectures.
- know the learning outcomes for the module (as stated in the module record).
- understand the marking scheme (presented at the end of this document).
Technical matters and formatting
Please ensure that you include the coursework cover sheet with your coursework. A copy of this is included below.
Present your answers logically in your coursework document and write clearly and succinctly. Don’t forget to spell check your work and proofread it carefully before submission.
Please read Plymouth University (UoP) plagiarism policy: UoP Plagiarism If you are in any doubt as to what plagiarism means or consists of, contact your tutor immediately.
Please also watch the following videos that have been produced specifically to help you understand plagiarism, and importantly, how to use Turnitin to submit your coursework Plagiarism video tutorials
Word count
Word counts are deliberately challenging, and you are expected to remain within (+/-) 10% of the stated limit. It demands succinct, clear, and effective writing. Review every sentence critically and make sure every word is needed.
The following components are not included in your word count:
- coursework cover sheet
- list of contents or index
- lists of abbreviations or acronyms
- index of figures, tables, and diagrams
- tables, figures, and diagrams embedded in the text.
- bibliography or list of references
- appendices
Referencing
All academic work must be referenced using the University of Plymouth referencing UoP Referencing. Read the relevant ‘Guide to Referencing’ in the TLP and contact your tutor if anything is unclear.
Submission of your Coursework
Each coursework must be submitted as a single word-processed document containing all your answers. Submission of your written coursework will be via Turnitin. Read the following steps and act as appropriate:
- You will receive an emailed invite to the module or class area from Turnitin. For new or first-time users, you may have to create an account but don’t worry – full instructions will be provided on the emailed invitation.
- The invite from Turnitin contains a link to the assessment submission section for your module. You will need to upload your document following the instructions contained in this guide: Turnitin quick start guide
- For non-written assessments (e.g. video presentations or practical exercises) please carefully read the submission instructions included within each question.
- Should you have any difficulty in accessing Turnitin, please speak to your tutor without delay.
Finally, just some points about the level of available support and the marking process.
Formative feedback
You can submit a single draft of your assessment, or each question, prior to the formal submission deadline, allowing your tutor to give some formative feedback and advice on whether your answers are on-track. Please note, however, the following points:
Whilst tutors will always be available for general advice and support, it is unlikely you will be able to implement changes to your coursework when draft work is submitted close to the submission deadline. Further, Tutor availability in the week leading up to the submission deadline is limited. As such, please do not request comments on draft work any later than the end of the penultimate week (e.g., week 12 for 13-week modules; week 7 for 8-week modules).
Additionally, please note that your work should be your own and not a collaborative effort between you and your tutor. The principal role of the tutor is to guide and support you through the module. The expectation is that you will ask questions and seek clarification on any technical matters as opposed to requesting that your tutor proof- reads your work. As such, you should not expect them to confirm if draft work is correct and/or likely to pass. It is your ability to address the learning outcomes of the module that is being assessed.
You should submit your draft answers via Turnitin; look out for the instructions that will follow from your tutor. A further advantage of this is that you will be able to check your answers for similarities with other sources (e.g., those from the internet) and correct for this, as necessary. Note that you will receive detailed feedback of your marked coursework, usually around four weeks from the submission date.
Accessing your final (summative) marks and feedback
Your final marks, comments and feedback will be available a few weeks after the submission date of each assessment, and access to these is through Turnitin. Within the Turnitin class, you will see a module post-date. This is the date that your provisional module marks and feedback will be released. No other correspondence concerning your provisional grade will be issued; however, through Turnitin you do have the facility to print your marked coursework, including all tutor comments and feedback, for your own records.
Marking scheme
At the beginning of the assessment questions there are tables showing how the marks are allocated across the coursework. A marking criteria table is included at the end of this document, which is used when marking your coursework. You should familiarise yourself with these criteria and understand what is required to achieve the highest possible mark.
Please note that your assessment may be marked and/or moderated by a member of the academic teaching team other than your tutor. The marks awarded during your study of this module are provisional and will be confirmed at the next MLA College / University of Plymouth Subject Panel and Award Board.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
As AI-powered tools become increasingly common in the field of education, particularly in relation to writing assistance, it is crucial to establish a clear policy regarding students’ utilisation of these tools. While AI can be beneficial in assisting students with learning, tracking their progress, and generating original content, it is crucial to acknowledge that they can also be misused or overused. Relying too heavily on such tools will limit student chances to improve their writing, critical thinking, and assessment abilities – vital skills for their academic and professional growth.
MLA College has prepared a comprehensive handbook to assist you in utilising AI content responsibly in your assignments. The goal is to equip you with the necessary information to acknowledge, describe, and reference any AI content you have incorporated into your assignments in a safe and proper manner.
The AI handbook, AI Guide for students, is included in the ‘Assessment’ section of your TLP. You must follow the guidelines provided in the handbook and acknowledge and document in an Appendix any utilisation of AI in the preparation of your coursework.
Students are required to keep time-stamped originals of their work before any manipulation is performed by AI-powered tools. This assists in cases where possible further investigation of the submission is required, if necessary.
As a student, it’s vital for you to understand that any submission made under your name is of your responsibility.
Note: although not visible to students, Turnitin now incorporates an AI detector which provides an AI score (likelihood / amount of AI generated content) and identifies text generated by AI (like the originality-checking tool available to students). MLA College will investigate any non-declared AI use.
MLA College coursework cover sheet
Please note that a copy of this cover sheet should be downloaded by clicking on the link in the assessment page of the TLP.
You must complete the cover sheet as indicated and sign the declaration at the bottom.
Attach the completed cover sheet to the front of your coursework prior to uploading as a single document to Turnitin.
| Student Name | |
| Module code | |
| Module name | |
| Submission deadline | |
| Submission word count | |
| Tutor name | |
| Programme (e.g., Sustainable
Maritime Operations) |
|
|
Please note that the MLA College Academic Regulations are contained within the student handbook on the MLA College website here: student handbook. |
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| Student declaration: I have read the guidance on Academic Dishonesty in the student handbook and watched the tutorials on plagiarism and how to use Turnitin. I understand that plagiarism is an Academic Offence. I declare this work to be my own original effort and not the work of others. I acknowledge the use of all Artificial Intelligence (AI) sources in my work and include details of such in an Appendix. The work has not been previously submitted for another assessment. I have credited all sources of information and ideas, where appropriate, by use of citation.
Signed (Typing your name is acceptable): Date: |
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Assessment Brief
The MLA602 assessment comprises a coursework component and a practical component. This assessment is designed to evaluate your understanding of meteorological and oceanographic processes and their influence on maritime activities, environmental sensitivity, and offshore development within a defined regional context.
You are expected to demonstrate critical understanding, applied reasoning, and the ability to communicate Metocean knowledge in a professional maritime context.
| Title | Task | Assessment | Word count | Marks
(%) |
| Coursework Component |
70 |
|||
| Regional Coastal Environmental Report | 1 | Academic Report | 3,000
(+/– 10%) |
|
|
Practical Component |
30 |
|||
| Presentation of Key Findings
|
2 |
Recorded Video
Presentation |
10 minutes | |
|
Total |
100 |
|||
Include visual aids (figures, tables) in your answers where relevant.
Support statements and opinions with references that are legitimate, valid, and relevant, preferable from primary literature such as peer reviewed articles.
References must follow the University of Plymouth Harvard style of referencing. Guidance on referencing, critical thinking, and essay and report writing, are available in the ‘Study Help’ section of the TLP.
Coursework Component (70%)
Task 1: Regional Coastal Environmental Report
Purpose of the report
This report assesses your ability to critically analyse meteorological and oceanographic processes and evaluate their influence on maritime operations, environmental sensitivity, and offshore development within a defined regional context. The emphasis is on process understanding, critical evaluation, and applied reasoning, rather than descriptive narration.
Report scope and selection You must select:
- One coastal or offshore region, and
- One maritime operational or development scenario within that region.
Acceptable scenarios include, but are not limited to:
- Port development or dredging activities
- Offshore renewable energy systems (wind, wave, or tidal)
- Offshore installation, inspection, or maintenance operations
- Coastal flood defence or climate adaptation projects
- Shipping route, traffic separation, or anchorage planning
Your selected scenario must be clearly justified and relevant to the regional metocean context.
Required report structure
Your report must be structured using clear academic headings and should address all of the following sections.
- Regional and operational context
Describe the geographic and maritime context of the selected region. Clearly define the chosen maritime activity or development. Explain the significance of meteorological and oceanographic conditions to this activity, highlighting why an understanding of these conditions is operationally critical.
- Meteorological and oceanographic processes
Analyse and critically evaluate the dominant atmospheric and oceanographic processes affecting the region. Your discussion should address spatial and temporal variability, including seasonal patterns and extreme events, and evaluate how these processes interact and influence operational conditions. You should demonstrate clear understanding supported by relevant evidence. Data may be referenced from published sources where appropriate; however, original statistical analysis is not required.
- Marine and coastal environmental sensitivity
Describe the key marine and coastal environmental characteristics of the region. Assess their sensitivity to meteorological and oceanographic variability, human activities, and climate-related change. Support your discussion with appropriate scientific and regulatory literature.
- Impacts on maritime operations and the environment
Analyse how metocean conditions influence operational risk, safety, planning, and environmental disturbance. Assess the implications of these influences for commercial development and environmental management. Where relevant, discuss uncertainty and limitations associated with forecasting and prediction.
- Mitigation, adaptation, and offshore renewable energy
Evaluate mitigation and adaptation measures that are used, or proposed, to manage meteorological and oceanographic risks. Where applicable, analyse offshore renewable energy systems in relation to regional conditions and sustainability objectives. Discuss the trade-offs between operational efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term resilience.
- Conclusion
Synthesize the key findings and justify practical recommendations for sustainable maritime operations and future decision making, acknowledging key uncertainties and constraints.
Academic expectations
The report must demonstrate critical thinking and coherent argumentation.
Assertions must be supported by legitimate, valid, and relevant sources, preferably peer-reviewed literature and authoritative industry or regulatory publications.
Harvard referencing (University of Plymouth) must be used consistently throughout.
Practical Component (30%)
Task 2: Presentation of Key Findings
The purpose of this practical task is to communicate your findings in a professional riskbased briefing suitable for a maritime decision-making audience.
Your presentation should:
- Briefly introduce the selected region and maritime activity
- Identify and explain the three most significant metocean related risks or constraints
- Explain why these risks matter for operational planning and environmental management
- Propose realistic mitigation or adaptation strategies
- Demonstrate clear linkage between metocean processes and practical maritime decision making
You may use visual aids such as slides, diagrams, maps, or figures to support your presentation.
The video should be no longer than 10 minutes and can be recorded using any reliable tool, such as PowerPoint, Zoom, or similar software.
Upload your presentation via WeTransfer (www.wetransfer.com) to student.admin@mla.ac.uk and confirm by email to both your tutor and Student Administration once the upload has been completed.
MLA College Grading Scheme for Undergraduate Modules
| Degree Class | Grade | Numerical Equivalent (%) |
| A+ | 95+ | |
| First | A | 85 |
| A- | 75 | |
| B+ | 68 | |
| Upper second | B | 65 |
| B- | 62 | |
| C+ | 58 | |
| Lower second | C | 55 |
| C- | 52 | |
| D+ | 48 | |
| Third | D | 45 |
| Pass (= or > 40%) | D- | 42 |
| E+ | 38 | |
| Fail (marginal) | E | 35 |
| E- | 32 | |
| F+ | 25 | |
| Fail | F | 15 |
| F- | 5 | |
| No acceptable answer | 0 | 0 |
Marking Criteria
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|
Content |
Fully addresses the assessment brief using all relevant information with few errors |
Addresses the assessment brief with most facts relevant and no significant errors |
Addresses the assessment brief using core information but some gaps in subject knowledge | Addresses the assessment brief but containing a minimal amount of the required material | A marginal fail, does not contain enough relevant information to address brief and/or contains multiple errors | Clear fail that does not address assessment brief, with inadequate or irrelevant information |
|
Understanding and Evaluation |
Full understanding of topic within wider context. Full critical evaluation with arguments supported by evidence and examples. | Substantial understanding demonstrated. Critical evaluation present with arguments supported by evidence. | Adequate understanding demonstrated although evaluation may be limited with restricted use of evidence | Enough understanding demonstrated but with minimal evaluation and/or evidence offered |
Marginal understanding demonstrated that lacks evaluation and evidence |
A concerning lack of understanding and evaluation present. |
|
Originality/ Independent Thinking |
Evidence of considerable insight and independent thinking e.g. by including own views; making connections with other subject areas etc. |
Substantially correct independent thinking with links to other areas/studies. |
Some individuality within the assessment but not always fully explored |
Own views minimally offered and/or displaying scientific naivety |
Marginal originality and/or independent thought |
No evidence of any valid independent thought |
|
Data Analysis and Interpretation |
An analytical/discriminating approach to the data, applying appropriate statistics. Comprehensive understanding of implications & limitations of the data | A sound approach to data analysis, applying valid statistical tests. Good understanding of data and associated limitations | Suitable approach to most aspects of data analysis. Valid interpretation but gaps evident |
Data analysis attempted but limited, including weak interpretation |
Marginal or insufficient data analysis and interpretation |
No, or wholly inappropriate, data analysis and interpretation |
|
Use of Literature |
Evidence of consulting wide range of valid sources of information, especially primary literature. Uses findings to support facts and arguments. Appropriately references sources within the text and in the reference list |
Evidence of consulting a range of literature to support facts and statements. Mostly cites references sources in correct format within the text and in the reference list |
Evidence of consulting a limited range of literature, often with a reliance on textbook sources. References in text or list may contain errors |
Some reference to literature evident but statements not well- supported. References often incorrectly cited and/or listed |
Marginal reference to literature with little attempt to incorporate references into work and/or incorrectly cited. |
No, or inappropriate reference to literature |
|
General Communication Skills |
Excellent overall standard of presentation, exhibiting a high standard of English and clarity of expression. Excellent layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting or appropriate use of fonts. Highly effective use of relevant visual material. |
High standard of presentation, exhibiting a good standard of English and clarity of expression. Good layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting and use of fonts. Effective use of relevant visual material. | Adequate standard of presentation, using acceptable standards of English. Some attention to layout, structure and formatting may be needed. Visual material may need some attention. |
Low standard of presentation with grammatical errors. Layout and structure may reduce impact and communication. Use of visual material not well-incorporated |
Marginal standard of presentation. Poor use of English with clumsy structure. Handwriting may not be legible and/or inappropriate use of fonts. Visual material typically not relevant. |
Unacceptable standard of presentation with concerning use of English. No, or inappropriate, use of visual material. |
|
Independence and Use of Support |
Completely self-motivated; works independently or in collaboration with others where relevant. Seeks appropriate support, as necessary. Formulates problem and relevant questions prior to seeking advice. Is meticulous in acknowledging support and contribution of others. | Mostly self-motivated and able to work well alone or in team. Seeks appropriate support, as necessary. Acknowledges support and contribution of others. |
Able to work independently or in a team but may not always access enough support where necessary |
Partly relies on others for motivation or to ensure progress and may be reluctant to seek necessary help. Weak team member. Does not always acknowledge sources of support. | Depends on others for motivation or fails to seek necessary advice. Fails to work as member of a team. Work may be highly derivative and/or support not acknowledged. | Fails to start or progress with tasks. Does not seek and/or use help.
Makes no contribution as member of a team. Does not acknowledge support and/or plagiarises. |
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