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ESC-20029 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

ESC-20029 - Practical Physical Geography
Coordinator: Antonia C Law Tel: +44 1782 7 34306
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No specific entry requirements


Barred Combinations

Environment Science

Description for 2021/22

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of specialist field, laboratory and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to physical geography and allied subjects. These focus around the completion of an Environmental Baseline Survey and a GIS project promoting the development of skills that are relevant to a range of specialist careers pathways. The module builds upon core concepts and techniques introduced in the level 4 practical programmes whilst providing a portfolio of skills applicable to level 6 independent study projects.

Aims
To provide training and first-hand experience in a variety of essential physical geography field and laboratory practical skills. To build upon concepts and techniques introduced in the level I practical programme and provide a portfolio of skills applicable to level III independent research projects.
To highlight the research applications and careers relevance of these techniques through in-class discussion and the directed reading of journal literature.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20029/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

use a range of specialist geographical techniques (field, laboratory and computer-based) to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data: 1,2
work effectively as part of a team to complete a group exercise within a specified time period: 1
reflect upon and evaluate the quality of geographical data and determine the most effective techniques for the collection, analysis and presentation of this data: 1,2
apply these techniques in a problem-solving context and present the key findings within a formal written report: 1

Study hours

Practical classes 36 hours
Practical class orientaation session 12 hours
Practical class preparation 12 hours
Preparation and completion of EBS report 45 hours
Preparation and completion of GIS project 25 hours
Independent research and wider reading 20 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Report weighted 65%
Environmental Impact Assessment
An industry standard, authentic Group Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Students will work in small groups to produce a group report which collates, analyses and presents the data collected in the field and in the lab during the module.

2: Project weighted 35%
GIS project
Completion of an individually-assessed GIS project relating to a series of exercises run in the practical sessions

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022