Module Information
Module Identifier
EAM1020
Module Title
Glacial Processes and Products
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Practical | 4 x 2 Hour Practicals |
| Lecture | 2 x 2 Hour Lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Project 1 - 2000 word report concerning contemporary ice-mass response to environmental change. | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Project 2 - 2500 word report fieldwork report examining the behavior of the British-Irish Ice Sheet at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | 25-minute individual seminar presentation that covers a topic linking glacial processes to their geomorphological or geological products | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed assignments - project 1 Resubmit failed elements of coursework. | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed assignments - project 2 Resubmit failed elements of coursework. | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed assignments - presentation Resubmit failed elements of coursework. | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Interpret surface features and processes on contemporary glaciers and ice sheets, such as those related to ice dynamics and hydrology, using remote sensing datasets.
* Interpret the sediment/landform associations in recently deglacierised areas in the Quaternary record.
* Apply sedimentological principles to the analysis and interpretation of glacigenic sediments, irrespective of age.
*Demonstrate field skills in sedimentological logging and landform interpretation.
* Synthesise information from peer-reviewed journal articles and other scientific literature on a glacial geological/geomorphological topic, and appropriately communicate this to others.
Brief description
EAM1020 Glacial Processes and Products explores key contemporary themes in glaciology, including: glacier and ice-sheet dynamics, structural glaciology, glacial sedimentology, and aspects of ice-mass reconstruction. The module uses a combination of seminars, computer practicals, fieldwork and student-led discussions to further the understanding of glaciers and ice sheets, and their response to short-term and long-term environmental change. Students will advance their knowledge of GIS and remote sensing from a glaciological perspective, as well as develop their data collection, analytical and interpretative skillsets.
Aims
1. To introduce and develop the students’ understanding of ice-mass response in contemporary and palaeo settings.
2. To outline and exemplify a range of methods used in glaciology research and the wider Earth science sector.
3. To develop effective team working skills.
4. To enhance scientific communication skills.
2. To outline and exemplify a range of methods used in glaciology research and the wider Earth science sector.
3. To develop effective team working skills.
4. To enhance scientific communication skills.
Content
Week 1 – Introduction seminar on glacier dynamics and structural glaciology (2 hrs).
Week 2 – Computer practical 1 – acquiring and manipulating satellite data (3 hrs).
Week 3 – Computer practical 2 – structural mapping (3 hrs).
Week 4 – Computer practical 3 – interpretation of ice-shelf structures (3 hrs).
Week 5 – Fieldwork preparatory session (2 hrs).
Week 6 – Fieldwork – UK based (full day).
Week 7 – Fieldwork follow-up session (2 hrs).
Week 8 – Student-led seminar 1 (2 hrs).
Week 9 – Student-led seminar 2 (2 hrs).
Week 10 – Open discussion session (2 hrs)
Week 2 – Computer practical 1 – acquiring and manipulating satellite data (3 hrs).
Week 3 – Computer practical 2 – structural mapping (3 hrs).
Week 4 – Computer practical 3 – interpretation of ice-shelf structures (3 hrs).
Week 5 – Fieldwork preparatory session (2 hrs).
Week 6 – Fieldwork – UK based (full day).
Week 7 – Fieldwork follow-up session (2 hrs).
Week 8 – Student-led seminar 1 (2 hrs).
Week 9 – Student-led seminar 2 (2 hrs).
Week 10 – Open discussion session (2 hrs)
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will undertake numerical analysis in some of the sessions. |
| Communication | Communication assessed through written reports and via a student-led seminar. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Researching, reading and synthesizing of literature for all assessed components; time management skills; oral and written communication skills; team work and peer review. |
| Information Technology | Producing and delivering seminar presentation (PowerPoint); use of ArcGIS; submission of documents via Blackboard (eLearning). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | A range of transferable skills will be developed vocationally during this module. |
| Problem solving | Projects 1 uses remotely-sensed data to resolve issues relating to glacier dynamics and environmental change. Project 2 requires students to consider and evaluate issues relating to the glacial history of an area. |
| Research skills | Each assessment requires background knowledge supported by contemporary and classic literature. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Increase in geographical and geological knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues in glaciology and palaeoglaciology. |
| Team work | Collecting data on fieldwork. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7