Module Information

Module Identifier
EAM2320
Module Title
Glaciological Field Techniques
Academic Year
2015/2016
Co-ordinator
Dr Tristram Irvine-Fynn
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 6 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 3,000 word report on field data collection  50%
Semester Assessment 2, 500 word report  on an independent fieldwork project, including a critique of methods.  40%
Semester Assessment 15 minute individual seminar presentation  on their independent fieldwork project  10%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit - 3,000 word report  Resubmission of failed component  on field data collection  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit - 2,500 word report  Resubmission of failed component  on an independent fieldwork project, including a critique of methods.  40%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit - Presentation  Resubmission of failed component  on their independent fieldwork project  10%

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 in glaciological research

4. Communicate key findings of independent glaciological research.

Brief description

EEAM2320 provides an introduction to fieldwork in glaciology, glacial geology and glacial geomorphology. This module will provide students with an introduction to research design and hypothesis testing, including the collection and interpretation of data collected on fieldwork in an area with modern glaciers. Students will be introduced to a variety of glaciological/glacial geomorphological field measurement techniques and data collection methods which can be further developed in other modules on the course and in their dissertations. Students will be required to implement these techniques on a 6 day field course to the European Alps.

Aims

1. To introduce a variety of glaciological field techniques in a contemporary glacial environment.
2. To encourage robust research design in glaciology.
3. To develop analytical and interpretive skillsets.
4. To develop effective team working skills.
5. To enhance scientific communication skills.

Content

Early September – 6 day field course in the European Alps covering topics such as glacier structure and dynamics, glacier hydrology, glacier-surface characteristics, glacial geomorphology and glacial geology.

Three scheduled follow-up sessions in teaching weeks 2, 4 and 6 regarding data analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will undertake numerical analysis in some of the staff-led projects.
Communication Communication assessed through written reports and via a student-led seminar.
Improving own Learning and Performance Researching, reading and synthesizing of literature for all assessed components; time management skills; oral and written communication skills; team work.
Information Technology Producing and delivering seminar presentation (PowerPoint); use of ArcGIS; submission of documents via Blackboard (eLearning).
Personal Development and Career planning A range of transferable skills will be developed vocationally during this module.
Problem solving Devise a fieldwork strategy for collecting data that can be used for glaciological research.
Research skills Each assessment requires background knowledge supported by contemporary and classic literature.
Subject Specific Skills Increase in geographical and geological knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues in glaciology and palaeoglaciology.
Team work Collecting data on fieldwork.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7