Module GEOL40115: Environmental Earth Science Fieldwork

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL40115: Environmental Earth Science Fieldwork

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide an introduction to a variety of Environmental fieldwork techniques. This will include both hands-on experience in using the tools and postprocessing the acquired data.
• To apply these techniques in the field for the purpose of environmental research problems.

Content

• This module will equip students with the necessary specialist mathematical and software tools to handle, manipulate, visualise and analyse geophysical tools.
• This will include developing understanding and experience of geospatial reference systems and Geographical Information Systems software.
• Each topic will feature an introduction to the Earth Sciences context, background, and theory underpinning the key data streams for that topic, an in-depth examination of data collection, handling and processing, and a discussion of unique considerations, limitations and strengths of the individual datasets. Each topic will also highlight a variety of diverse current and societally-relevant problems the data can be used to address.
• Students will have an opportunity to choose one of these topics to investigate further through an independent summative mini-project.
• Class-based teaching in this module is supplemented hands-on experience in the field so that students can familiarize themselves with the various techniques.
• The module also includes a week-long residential fieldtrip, where techniques will be combined into a mini group project applied to a specific environmental research topic.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of a range of geophysical techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and software tools for handling, visualising, analysing and modelling these datasets.
• Knowledge and understanding of select topics of active research in Environmental Geophysics.

• Specialised and computational and mathematical skills for handling, visualisation, analysis and modelling of geophysical datasets.
• Intellectual and practical skills necessary to synthesise and integrate information/data acquired from a variety of sources and at a variety of scales.
• Intellectual and practical skills necessary to use data and advanced methodologies for the solution of complex, novel, specialised and unfamiliar problems.
• Intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on field projects.

• Presentation skills
• Team working
• Problem solving, written presentation of an argument
• Ability to learn actively and reflectively, to develop intuition, and the ability to tackle unfamiliar and complex new material
• 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

• This module will be delivered through a series of flexible 2-hour workshops comprising both lectures and practicals.
• The core teaching will be supplemented by a 5 day residential field course.
• The practicals form an important component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
• Summative assessment is made up of a technical report 40% and an individual report 60% based on data collected during the residential field course.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The formative assessment consists of classroom-based exercises on specific data topics of relevant to the learning outcomes of the modules. Oral feedback will be given on a group and/or individual basis as appropriate.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.