Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module GEOL2201: FIELDWORK II

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2201: FIELDWORK II

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Field Studies (GEOL1051).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Fieldwork I (GEOL2191).

Aims

  • To prepare students for their Level 3 dissertation projects.

Content

  • Planning and conducting laboratory, field and a programme of original research application of geoscience principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
  • Particularly site survey and field methods.
  • Project safety, risk management, right of access, health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the environment and stakeholders.
  • Appropriate planning and preparation for dissertation reports.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in environmental or geophysical principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in environmental or geophysical methods of studying Earth systems.
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in structural compositional or geochemical processes.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • After completion of this module students: will be able to collect, record and analyse geological data using appropriate techniques in the field and in the laboratory.
  • Will be able to conduct fieldwork in a safe, efficient and sensitive manner.
  • Will be able to conduct the planning and preparation necessary for independent fieldwork and related activities.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on laboratory or field projects.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for observations in the laboratory and in the field.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
  • Will have acquired intellectual skills involved in the measurement and interpretation of environmental or geophysical structures and processes from field observations and other sources of information.
Key Skills:
  • Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
  • Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
  • Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered through a mix of flexible 3 hour sessions comprising lectures, practicals and fieldwork.
  • This method is preferred as it provides "hands on" learning and experience of practical and related laboratory skills.
  • Summative assessment will be a combination of marks for notebooks, project reports and resulting data analysis.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10
Tutorials 0
Practicals 26
Fieldwork 26
Preparation and Reading 138
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical and project reports 80%
dissertation planning and preparation report 20%

Formative Assessment:

Feedback sessions during field excursions and post-trip debriefing sessions. During the tutorial.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University