Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Field Trip | 8 x 9 Hour Field Trips |
| Seminar | 6 x 2 Hour Seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 3,000 word report on field data collection | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | 2,500 word report on an independent fieldwork project, including a critique of methods. | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | 15 minute individual seminar presentation on their independent fieldwork project | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit - 3,000 word report field data collection Resubmission of failed component | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit - Independent fieldwork project report Resubmission of failed component | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit - individual presentation Resubmission of failed component | 10% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the range of field techniques used in glaciology/glacial geomorphology
2. Devise and implement a field research project in glaciology/glacial geomorphology
3. Make rational, scientific judgments on the validity and application of particular methods in glaciological research.
4. Communicate key findings of independent glaciological research.
Brief description
EAM2320 provides an introduction to fieldwork in glaciology, glacial geology and glacial geomorphology. This module will provide students with an introduction to research design and hypothesis testing, including the collection and interpretation of data collected on fieldwork in an area with modern glaciers. Students will be introduced to a variety of glaciological/glacial geomorphological field measurement techniques and data collection methods which can be further developed in other modules on the course and in their dissertations. Students will be required to implement these techniques on a 6 day field course to the European Alps. .
Aims
2. To encourage robust research design in glaciology.
3. To develop analytical and interpretive skillsets.
4. To develop effective team working skills.
5. To enhance scientific communication skills.
Content
Early September 6 day field course in the European Alps covering topics such as glacier structure and dynamics, glacier hydrology, glacier-surface characteristics, glacial geomorphology and glacial geology.
Three scheduled follow-up sessions in teaching weeks 2, 4 and 6 regarding data analysis, interpretation and presentation.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will undertake numerical analysis in some of the staff-led projects. |
| 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 |
| 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 | Devise a fieldwork strategy for collecting data that can be used for glaciological research. |
| 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