Module Information

Module Identifier
GS35320
Module Title
Advanced Fieldwork Skills
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Field Report  Written report (3500 words)  70%
Semester Assessment Academic poster  Academic poster  30%
Supplementary Assessment Field Report  Written report (3500 words)  70%
Supplementary Assessment Academic poster  Academic poster  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in field, graphical, and sampling methods

Exhibit technical proficiency in the operation of field instruments and evaluate the safety and logistical requirements of fieldwork planning

Demonstrate an ability to analyse data and present results of original field measurements in a technically-sound report

Synthesise the environmental problems within a specific area of study and discuss the links between these problems and the geology, geomorphology, land use and economic exploitation of the area

Brief description

This module is designed to develop advanced field techniques in Environmental Earth Science. It builds practical and professional skills in geoscience including rock description and interpretation, quantitative geological measurements, landscape observation and interpretation, applied environmental geoscience, and skills in data recording, analysis, and synthesis.

Content

This module is designed to build on the skills gained during the first and second year fieldwork. The module will consist of field exercises which will involve planning and execution of field sampling/data collection, collation and synthesis of these field data and presentation in both verbal and written form. The module is designed to present real environmental and geological challenges and opportunities which might be faced by graduates working in the professional geoscience sector.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This is developed through individual field exercises and engagement with relevant literature and published data.
Communication Field days are inherently interactive with a high number of contact hours between staff and students. This ensures the development of strong communication, and ample opportunities for one-to-one and group discussions.
Improving own Learning and Performance Discussion and feedback will be ongoing throughout the interactive field-based activities. This will allow students to continually improve their own learning and performance.
Information Technology Students will be expected to use information technology to aid further reading and when completing assignments, including online literature searching and synthesis, word processing technology, and preparation of digital photographs and maps.
Personal Development and Career planning This module is designed to train students in practical and professional field skills, relevant to a wide range of careers in the environmental and geoscience sectors.
Problem solving This module includes a wide range of problem solving exercises. It will require students to solve problems frequently encountered in the environmental sector.
Research skills This module will develop observational and interpretive field skills. Critical thinking skills will be developed through interactive field exercises. Students will be required to research and write a professional quality report and poster.
Subject Specific Skills This module will deliver subject specific skills which aim to make our graduates employable in the field of environmental geoscience.
Team work Many of the field-based exercises must be carried out by small groups/teams for safety reasons. Students will be encouraged to move between groups to ensure a spread of workload and to increase their experience of working in different groups.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6