ESC-20083 - Field Techniques
Coordinator: Jamie K Pringle Room: WSF13 Tel: +44 1782 7 33163
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

This module concentrates on geological and geophysical techniques involved in fieldwork. It incorporates two major residential field courses, including one overseas. You will be provided with instruction and supervision in the techniques for making a geological map that demonstrates the structure and development of a major geological province. It will also provide you with practical experience of near-surface geophysics field techniques and develop further your knowledge of structural geology. By the end of the module you will fully prepared to undertake your independent mapping that leads to your third year dissertation. Also included in the module is career guidance and preparation for your future career development.

Aims
This module concentrates on techniques involved in fieldwork. Incorporating two major field courses, including one overseas, it provides instruction and supervision in the techniques for making a geological map and demonstrates in the field the structure and development of a major geological province. It develops knowledge of structural geology and near-surface geophysics field techniques. It also includes preparation for independent mapping and career development.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20083/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

interpret and analyse geological information from aerial photographs, acquire, interpret and analyse geological data in the field, and integrate to produce geological maps and properly structured geological reports: 2,4
identify a variety of sedimentary and igneous rocks in a field environment, and explain the processes that have generated them: 3
explain principles in structural geology and apply field and laboratory techniques used in the analysis and quantification of rock deformation: 1
design, undertake, process and interpret appropriate near-surface geophysical surveys for an environmental or geotechnical investigation, and be aware of the data limitations: 1
work efficiently as a member of a team and contribute to the presentation of a team project: 3
source and review published material on a geoscience topic and write an independent structured literature review: 2,4
write and update a CV, plus covering letter, to assist with applying for summer placement opportunities and/or graduate employment opportunities: 4

Study hours

Fieldwork 126 hours
Lectures 28 hours
Practicals 63 hours
Independent study 83 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 35%
Laboratory Practicals
Completion of data interpretation and analysis exercises set during advanced structural geology and near-surface geophysical techniques practical classes.

2: Practice Based Assessment weighted 25%
Mapping Fieldcourse Portfolio
Production of geological maps (field slip and fair copy), field notebook and 1500 word report, including cross-section, stratigraphic column, aerial photo interpretation and risk assessment.

3: Portfolio weighted 25%
Overseas Fieldcourse Portfolio
Team poster presentations (groups of approximately 3 or 4) and individual fieldwork exercises.

4: Portfolio weighted 15%
Writing Skills Portfolio
A portfolio demonstrating different writing styles including a literature review (1800 words) and completion of CV (2 pages) & covering letter (1 page).