Module Information
Module Identifier
EAM0820
Module Title
Approaches to Glaciology
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Practical | 5 x 9 Hour Practicals |
| Seminar | 11 x 3 Hour Seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Project Report 1 Up to 1500 words | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Project Report 2 Up to 1500 words | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Project Report 3 Up to 1500 words | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay Up to 2,000 words | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Operate and apply a range of contemporary research techniques used in glaciology.
2. Devise and carry out practical experimentation to address specific glaciological issues.
3. Undertake desk-based manipulation and analyses of glaciological data.
4. Demonstrate expertise in terms of the interaction of theory, modelling and empirical data collection in one specific subject area of glaciology.
Brief description
The module focuses on providing a practical introduction to a variety of commonly-used glaciological techniques. This is provided through seminar classes, laboratory classes and a field application class.
Content
The module involves exploring the variety of approaches used by researchers in addressing glaciological problems. Module content includes evaluating the merits of combining various approaches to glaciology and includes a strong practical component. Specifically, the module will include one Essay Report and three Research Projects. Typical projects include:
Project 1: Field-based Campbell Scientific micro-logger programming and implementation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on a practical exercise.
Project 2: Computer-based GIS/remote-sensing/satellite image analysis exercise. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on the analysis of glacigenic features.
Project 3: Laboratory-based ice experimentation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on establishing and running an experiment to investigate the relationships between ice ablation and a variety of environmental controls.
Essay Report: Seminar-supported review of the interaction of theory, modelling and empirical data collection in one specific subject area of glaciology.
Project 1: Field-based Campbell Scientific micro-logger programming and implementation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on a practical exercise.
Project 2: Computer-based GIS/remote-sensing/satellite image analysis exercise. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on the analysis of glacigenic features.
Project 3: Laboratory-based ice experimentation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on establishing and running an experiment to investigate the relationships between ice ablation and a variety of environmental controls.
Essay Report: Seminar-supported review of the interaction of theory, modelling and empirical data collection in one specific subject area of glaciology.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | All projects require quantitative data analysis. |
| Communication | Written communication is required in all assessments. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The assessed coursework requires students to develop their understanding of issues associated with the module. |
| Information Technology | All projects require IT for data acquisition, analysis and presentation. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Personal development will be improved through collaborative field work and mastering techniques. |
| Problem solving | Research Projects involve issues associated with the development and execution of robust experimental design and analysis, and with the integration of theory with field and/or laboratory practice. The Essay demands identification of contemporary research problems and exploration of the techniques used to address knowledge gaps. |
| Research skills | The Project and Essay Reports require exploration and synthesis of both technical and theoretical information. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The module demands clear and directed focus on glaciology and techniques used in modern glaciological research. |
| Team work | The Research Projects require team collaboration to plan and carry out the experimental exercises. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7