Module Identifier EAM2320  
Module Title GLACIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNIQUES  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Professor Michael J Hambrey  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Simon J Cook, Dr Bryn P Hubbard, Dr Alun Hubbard  
Course delivery Lecture   2 Hours.  
  Practical   4 Hours.  
  Other   Field course, Alpine glaciers, 6 days  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Report on field data collection and glaciological reconstruction (3000 words)50%
Semester Assessment Oral presentation on results of glaciological reconstruction25%
Semester Assessment Report on range of field techniques in glaciology/glacial geomorphology (1500 words)25%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation marks to be carried forward. Resubmit failed elements of coursework. No resit available if students failed to attend the fieldtrip without documented and approved special circumstances. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the range of field techniques used in glaciology/glacial geomorphology

2. Devise and implement a field research project in glaciology/glacial geomorphology

3. Make rational, scientific judgments on the validity and application of particular methods of glaciological reconstruction

Brief description

This is a Masters level module which provides an introduction to fieldwork in glaciology, glacial geology and glacial geomorphology. This course will provide students with an introduction to basic research design and hypothesis testing, followed by fieldwork in an area with modern glaciers, and a follow-up exercise on data interpretation and glaciological reconstruction. This module will introduce students to a variety of glaciological/glacial geomorphological field measurement techniques and data collection methods. Students will be required to implement these techniques on a 6 day field trip to the Swiss Alps. They will subsequently use the data collected as the basis for an oral presentation and written report on glaciological reconstruction.

Content

Themes covered include:-
  1. Methodology, research design and hypothesis testing in relation to fieldwork in glaciology/glacial geomorphology.
  2. Field course to upland glaciated landscape for field data collection.
  3. Introduction to post-fieldwork data handling and interpretation.
  4. Glaciological reconstruction from fieldwork data.

Module Skills

Problem solving Devise a fieldwork strategy for collecting data that can be used in glaciological reconstruction  
Research skills Researching methods used in glaciological fieldwork and for presentation and interpretation of field data. Researching techniques for glaciological reconstruction  
Communication Scientific report writing; oral presentation skills  
Improving own Learning and Performance Develop independent work associated with practical classes  
Team work Field exercise conducted as a team  
Information Technology Use of computers and spreadsheets for glaciological reconstruction. Students will have to search the internet for information on glaciological techniques. The students will make use of BIDS/WoK etc and other searching facilities to obtain information which will be included in the final report  
Application of Number Numerical handling is required in calculating former glaciological parameters  
Subject Specific Skills The development of appropriate field data collection techniques and their application to glaciology  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Hubbard, B.P. and Glasser, N.F (2005) Field Techniques in Glaciology. Wiley 0470844272

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7