Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module GEOL2191: FIELDWORK (Geological)

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2191: FIELDWORK (Geological)

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Field Studies (GEOL1051).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Fieldwork II (GEOL2201).

Aims

  • To prepare students for their independent fieldwork and related laboratory work necessary for their Level 3 dissertation projects.

Content

  • Mapping training and structural geology field class.
  • Igneous geology and sedimentary geology field class.
  • Appropriate planning and preparation for independent field and laboratory work in dissertations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure, composition and history of the Earth/geological timescales.
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in ecological, biological and geochemical processes and their role in shaping the Earth.
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.
  • Be able to conduct fieldwork in a safe, efficient and sensitive manner.
  • and conduct the necessary planning and preparation necessary for independent fieldwork and related activities.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on mix of laboratory and 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 geological features 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 preparation and interpretation of geological maps and cross sections 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 delived through attendance on appropriate field classes and associated laboratory sessions.
  • This method is preferred as it provides "hands on" learning and experience of practical fieldwork and related laboratory skills.
  • Summative assessment will be a combination of marks for notebooks, maps and resulting data analysis eg cross-sections.
  • Some of these will be awarded during field classes to provide instant feedback to students on their progress giving them opportunity to improve during the fieldwork.
  • Formative assessment will be via post-trip feedback sessions and in a tutorial.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 1 1 Hour 1
Practicals 4 2 Hours 8
Fieldwork 2 8 Days 128
Preparation and Reading 63
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
unit 1 fieldwork assessment 50%
unit 2 fieldwork assessment 50%

Formative Assessment:

One-hour feedback sessions on field excursions.


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