ESC-20036 - 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 will focus on the study of Quaternary deposits and how they can be interpreted to understand the processes that caused their formation, as well as understanding them as indicators of palaeoenvironmental conditions. The module will also cover the occurrence, evidence for and possible causes of climate change over geological time. A field excursion will be included to provide an understanding of how surface processes have affected landscape development during the Quaternary and to cover a variety of field techniques for identifying and mapping superficial deposits.

To understand the occurrence, evidence for and possible causes of climate change over geological time; to study recent deposits and how they can be interpreted to understand the processes that caused their formation, as well as understanding them as indicators of palaeoenvironmental conditions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

show critical understanding of the occurrence and evidence for climate change in the geological record and to have an appreciation of the possible causes within an Earth System context: 1,2,3
identify and map superficial deposits using a variety of field and desk-based techniques, and be able to critically analyse field observations, relating them to the processes that formed these deposits: 2
understand the surface processes that have affected landscape development during the Quaternary: 2,3
extract and synthesise information from the scientific literature on a specific palaeoclimatology topic using computer-aided literature searching techniques and present the results in the format of a poster: 1

Study hours

26 hours scheduled synchronous class activity
8 hours of field-based study
12 hours structured engagement with online resources and directed research
28 hours for research and completion of poster assignment
38 hours for research and completion of field course report
28 hours for revision and completion of class test
10 hours flexible independent study (e.g. background reading)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment