ESC-30032 - 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 double-module builds upon subject-specific and practical skills that have been developed in previous years of the course to carry out an independent field-based investigation within an area of Geoscience. The module will include project formulation, research design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation and report production, and will normally be underpinned by approximately 35 days of geological fieldwork carried out in the summer vacation before the start of the final year. The completion of this module provides students with experience of a number of subject-specific and general skills that are essential for geoscience employment or academic research.

- To provide a detailed understanding of field aspects of geoscience.
- To understand geological features and processes in a field context.
- To demonstrate ability to take effective notes in the field and compile geological maps and/or similar appropriate and standard diagrams to convey geological data.
- To develop skills in presentations in the form of a dissertation.
- To demonstrate the use of geographical information system and remote sensing techniques in visualising and analysing geoscience data.
- To develop students' communication, time-management and self-management skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

select and apply appropriate advanced geological mapping or advanced geological data acquisition/interpretation techniques that are at the forefront of the discipline: 1
use practical skills in making effective field notes; make a geological map or construct appropriate geological interpretations; identify rocks, minerals, fossils and geological structures; interpret an environment of deposition; synthesize a geological history from field relationships: 1
use transferable skills by communicating effectively in writing, cartography and diagram preparation, use computing and information technology (e.g. GIS), manage resources and time, work to a deadline, and work independently showing critical enquiry: 1
critically analyse geoscience information; synthesise and evaluate information and data from a variety of sources, as well as establish and discern connections; demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought: 1

Study hours

- tutorials 12 hours
- Supervision meetings 8 hours
- Fieldwork/data acquisition, poster and report preparation 280 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment