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ESC-10068 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

ESC-10068 - Academic, Professional and Fieldwork Skills
Coordinator:
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24


Aims
This module aims to develop an appreciation and understanding of both the general study skills and subject-specific practical skills required in the study and practice of Geography, Geology and the Environment, including fieldwork. These include such transferable skills as writing skills, ethics, communication skills, and health and safety as well as practical skills such as information acquisition; techniques of data capture, manipulation, analysis, and visualization; cartographic representation; and field observation and interpretation. Depending on each student's degree route and personal preferences there are core and optional sessions where different skills are covered.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-10068/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

recognise the essential characteristics of data and evaluate alternative sources of information including library and electronic resources: 1,2
describe, evaluate and use a range of specialised techniques and a variety of computer software packages for the management, manipulation and visualisation of information and spatial data: 1,2
correctly select and apply an appropriate statistical test to a variety of different problems: 1,2
work effectively to complete set tasks within the framework of good professional conduct set out in the course materials, including a professional and reflective approach, responsibility, personal integrity, respect for others, ethics, safety, accountability and self-regulation: 1,2
apply appropriate techniques of topographic, geological, environmental and social survey to capture information in the field and put into practice analytical and presentation skills already learned in the laboratory: 1,2

Study hours

Will vary depending on the options chosen by student, but typically:
- Practical sessions: 42h
- Fieldwork: 42h
- Independent study: 66h (including 26h of online courses)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Class Test weighted 50%
Practical Reflection
Students will need to complete computer based tests that will cover all core and mandatory sessions of their degree route. Questions will include, but not be limited to, identifying key concepts, solving spatial problems or performing mathematical operations. The test consists of a variety of question types, including, but not limited to, MCQ, short answer, fill in the gap or ordering questions.

2: Practice Based Assessment weighted 50%
Fieldwork Portfolio
Students will be expected to complete a portfolio of topics covered during their time on the field. They will be expected to show their awareness of the local environment and to work with data captured by them during their fieldwork. Outputs will vary depending on the trip they attend, but can include maps, diagrams, analyses, observations, and written annotations.

3: Competence weighted 0%
Pass/Fail components
All students are required to complete some components of the module that, while they are not assessed with a mark, are of paramount importance for the module and their degree. An example is Health and Safety, as the module includes fieldwork and for the students' wellbeing they must complete the component.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may 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: 13 February 2024