ESC-10094 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module introduces students to the essential techniques and study skills for undertaking a degree in Geography, Geology or the Environment . It provides hands-on experience in information literacy, writing skills, statistics, Geographical Information Science (GIS), programming, research ethics and data collection in both laboratory and field-based environments. As such, the module is intended to equip students with the appropriate skills and expertise to enable real world problems to be approached with confidence and practical competence.

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 transferable skills such as writing skills, research ethics, environmental ethics, communication skills, health and safety alongside practical skills such as information acquisition; techniques of data capture, manipulation, analysis and visualization; cartographic representation; and field observation and interpretation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

practice the essential skills expected of students within GGE, including ethical and respectful conduct, information literacy and writing skills: 1,2,3,4
describe, evaluate and use a range of specialised techniques and a variety of computer software packages for the management, manipulation and visualisation of information, statistics and spatial data: 2,3,4
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 time management: 1,2,3,4
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
: 4

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
40 hours of in-situ learning sessions on campus
2 hours in-situ academic mentoring tutorials
15 hours of structured engagement with online resources to prepare for in-situ campus learning sessions
32 hours fieldcourses (approx 4 days, 8 hours a day)
Independent Study Hours:
2 hours preparation for pass/fail assignment
15 hours preparation for assignment 2 (skills portfolio)
15 hours preparation for assignment 3 (GIS, stats, programming report)
35 hours preparation for assignment 4 (fieldcourse portfolio)
144 hours of other independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment