Module Information

Module Identifier
EA35320
Module Title
Environmental Earth Science Level 3 Fieldwork
Academic Year
2018/2019
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 Hour Lecture
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Desk study for site investigation area  Written technical report (500 words)  15%
Semester Assessment Field-based exercises  Field-based maps, flow charts and diagrams  15%
Semester Assessment Technical Report 1 on fieldwork  Written report (1000 words)  35%
Semester Assessment Technical Report 2 on fieldwork  Written report (1000 words)  35%
Supplementary Assessment Desk study for site investigation area  Written technical report (500 words)  15%
Supplementary Assessment Field-based exercises  Field-based maps, flow charts and diagrams  15%
Supplementary Assessment Technical Report 1 on fieldwork  Written report (1000 words)  35%
Supplementary Assessment Technical report 2 on fieldwork  Written report (1000 words)  35%

Learning Outcomes

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

Research and prepare a desk study for a specified location

Conduct a walk-over survey of a specified location.

Demonstrate proficiency in field, graphical, and sampling methods.

Construct a detailed geological map of a specified area.

Demonstrate an ability to analyse data and present results of original field measurements in a technically-sound report.

Synthesise the environmental problems within a specific area of study and to discuss the links between these problems and the geology, geomorphology, land use and economic exploitation of the area.

Brief description

This module is based around a 7-day fieldtrip to a specific area or region to study advanced aspects of Environmental Earth Science. The course begins with an introductory lecture and then the students undertake a detailed desk study for one of the key sites before the trip takes place. In the field, a wide range of sites will be visited and there are a range of independent/small group assessed exercises for the students to complete. There will be a 'Stage 2 Walk-over survey' conducted at the site for which the students have already completed their desk study, thus linking the two aspects together. Once the field element of the module has been completed the students will produce two technical reports on selected aspects or themes from the fieldwork.

Content

This module is designed to build on the skills gained during the first and second year fieldwork. The module will be based in a specific location and is designed to assess a wide range of environmental issues within that area. The module will consist of field exercises which will involve planning and execution of field sampling/data collection, collation and synthesis of these field data and presentation in both verbal and written form. The module is designed to present 'real world' problems which might be faced by graduates working in the field of Environmental Earth Sciences.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Written skills that are assessed in this module.
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback will be provided on the field-based exercises whilst we are away on fieldwork. This will allow students to improve their performance in later exercises.
Information Technology
Personal Development and Career planning This module is designed to train students in specific career skills, especially in the geotechnical site investigation protocols used in industry.
Problem solving This module includes a wide range of problem solving exercises. It will require students to solve 'real life' problems using field-based exemplars.
Research skills Students will be required to research the 'standard' methods for site investigation and produce written reports to industry standard guidelines
Subject Specific Skills There is a shortage of skilled professionals in the geotechnical sector. This module will deliver subject specific skills which aim to make our graduates employable in the field of geotechnical site investigation.
Team work Many of the field-based exercises must be carried out by small groups/teams for safety reasons. Students will be encouraged to move between groups to ensure a spread of workload and to increase their experience of working in different groups.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6