Module Information

Module Identifier

EA21800

Module Title

Field Skills

Academic Year

2017/2018

Co-ordinator

Dr Bill Perkins

Semester

Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Field Trip	1 x 56 Hour Field Trip
Field Trip	1 x 24 Hour Field Trip

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Graphical assessed field-based exercise Field-based geological mapping and structural geology exercise (3 day field course, sem 1)	30%
Semester Assessment	Field report Technical field report (3000 words) (7 day field course, sem 2)	70%
Supplementary Assessment	Graphical assessed field-based exercise Field-based geological mapping and structural geology exercise. Students who fail to complete the 3 day field course can submit a report on the geological history of a previously mapped area (1000 words).	30%
Supplementary Assessment	Field report Technical field report. Students who fail to complete the residential field course can submit a 3000 word alternative assessment.	70%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Record, plot and interpret structural measurements

2. Construct a detailed geological map

3. Reconstruct geological history of a mapped area

4. Analyse data and present results of original field measurements in a technically-sound report

5. Demonstrate technical proficiency in the operation of field instruments

6. Conduct independent field-based mapping and small group project exercises during the field courses

Brief description

This module is designed as an advanced course in field techniques for Environmental Earth Science. It consists of 1 x 3 day field course, and a 7 day residential course during the Easter vacation. The 3 day field course will expand on the students’ mapping, structural geology and stratigraphy skills and introduce them to new instruments and equipment which can be used to conduct Environmental Earth Science fieldwork. Both field courses will involve guided and independent field work, developing the students’ independent field study skills.

The Easter course builds on the experience gained during the 3 day field course, and will involve using these skills in practical, real-world applications which will be relevant to industrial and environmental career sectors. The students will be expected to complete an independent project during the residential field course which will provide important independent research skills ahead of their final year dissertations.

Content

This module will introduce the following themes:

The use of instruments and equipment in the field
Geological mapping and cross-sections
Structural geology
Stratigraphic correlation
Industrial and environmental fieldwork approaches
Independent field research

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	Interpretation of numerical and graphical data is integral to Environmental Earth Science fieldwork. Students will be expected to record and interpret numerical data both in the field and their field reports.
Communication	Fieldwork is inherently interactive, and students will be encouraged to communicate with each other through small group exercises. The module is designed to allow a high number of contact hours between staff and students to ensure development of strong communication, and ample opportunities for one-to-one and group discussions.
Improving own Learning and Performance	The module is designed to introduce a variety of new field skills and instrumental training, whilst expanding on field skills acquired during the students’ first year. There will be opportunities for formative and summative feedback during the 3 day field course, enabling students to build on this feedback during the residential field course. Multiple independent field-based projects will ensure personal performance improvement throughout.
Information Technology	Students will have the opportunity to use a variety of technical instruments in the field, alongside satellite data to aid mapping exercises. Students will be offered guidance on digitizing field data for their individual assessments.
Personal Development and Career planning	Upon successful completion of this module students will have developed a range of practical field skills integral to any earth science/geology career path. They will develop cartography and map interpretation skills, understand how to survey an area to assess its geology and structure, how to conduct independent field-based research, and how to produce a technical report as in industry.
Problem solving	Throughout this module students will need to use a range of field skills to interpret different environmental earth science problems e.g. representing geology in 2D and 3D, recording and interpreting structural geology data, conducting ground surveys, using portable instruments to image surface and sub-surface features. During both the 3 day field course and the residential field course students will conduct independent research, where they will need to decide which field skills to employ and how best to represent their data.
Research skills	Independent field research skills will be developed through conducting a variety of projects on the 3 day and residential field courses.
Subject Specific Skills	This module will develop a range of practical field skills including advanced geological mapping, correlating logged sections, recording and plotting structural measurements, how to use a variety of technical instruments, and applied survey skills.
Team work	Small group work will be an integral part of field-based exercises.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5