Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 x 2 Hour Lectures |
| Field Trip | 2 x 8 Hour Field Trips |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Individual Fieldwork Report 2500 words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Public Engagement Documentary (Group) 10 minute video | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Research Proposal (Group) 2000 words | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Individual Fieldwork Report 2500 words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Individual Public Engagement Brochure 1250 words, in lieu of Public Engagement Documentary (Group) | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Individual Research Proposal 1250 words, in lieu of Research Proposal (Group) | 25% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Characterise fundamental glacier processes in contemporary and palaeo- environments.
2. Discuss the response of glaciers to former, present and future environmental change.
3. Discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the techniques employed in glaciological investigations, to evaluate glaciological research.
Brief description
In “Processes in Glacial Environments” students will explore the fundamental theories of glacier processes and their products in both contemporary and former glacial environments, supported by cutting-edge, research-led case studies. This module focuses on terrestrial glacier systems of Alpine, Arctic and high-mountainous environments such as the Andes and Himalaya, and is delivered through a variety of interactive lectures and field courses (2 day trip to North Wales).
Content
Glacier composition and mass balance
Patterns and processes of glacier motion
Glacier hydrology and surface energy balance
Cold-region biogeochemistry
Surge-type glaciers
Hazards in glacial environments
Glacial geology, glacier landforms and glacier reconstruction
Glaciers in a changing climate.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will: Plan and carry out research, produce academically appropriate reports and a group research proposal to evaluate research methods and procedures in glaciology. |
| Communication | Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs, and barriers to learning: Students are to contribute to in-class discussions, take part in group-work activities, and in formative peer assessment activities to maximize their own learning. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will use a range of commonly used software packages, prepare and input data, manage and manipulate GIS, and present information and data effectively. Students will also use video-editing software. |
| Information Technology | Students will: Identify factors which might influence potential solutions. Problem-solving skillsets developed during fieldwork activities, group work situations, and in laboratory and computer practicals. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | 1. Academic Knowledge: Increase in geographical and geological knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues in glaciology and palaeoglaciology. 2. Practical Skills: Use of GIS computer software and fieldwork activities. |
| Problem solving | Tackle problems involving number: Students will undertake numerical analysis for the fieldwork report. |
| Research skills | Developed in all forms of assessment, and in-class learning. There are elements of academic and non-academic communication skills via written and oral assessment. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students will undertake formative and summative group work activities. They will also collect data in groups on fieldwork, and produce a group Public Engagement Documentary. |
| Team work | Students will develop awareness of personal skills, beliefs and qualities in relation to course/career progression, benefitting from a variety of assessments and in-class activities. A range of transferable skills will be developed vocationally during this module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6