Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resources Centre, Internet, IT Suite and software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, SPSS, Adobe In-Design and Adobe Illustrator.

(1) Information Technology: word processing, use of spreadsheets for statistical analysis and presentation of environmental data, using the Internet to find environmental information, desk-top publishing and poster production.
(2) Cartography: a critical appreciation of maps and mapping, map interpretation at different scales, basic cartographic techniques (scales, keys, legends, isoline and chloropleth), computer cartography techniques.
(3) Aerial Photographs: basic aerial photographic interpretation.
(4) Statistical data skills will include awareness and computer application of, descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion), inferential statistics (hypothesis testing and correlation) and spatial statistics (analysis of points, lines and areas).
(5) Training in how to work effectively as part of a group is delivered via the field class, in the Peak District lectures and workshops, and in tutorials.
(6) Learning skills are delivered via a tutorial programme which involves the discussion of substantive issues and the development of skills in learning including use of the library and reading and writing for environmental studies at university.

Clarke, G. & Wareham, T. (2003) Geography @ University
Clarke, A. (2005) IT Skills for Successful Study.
Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography
Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills handbook (2nd edition)
Dorling, D.& Fairbairn, D.(1997) Mapping - ways of representing the world
Flowerdew, R. & Martin, D. (2005) Methods in Human Geography (2nd edition)
Keates J.S. (1996) Understanding maps
Kneale P.E (2003) Study Skills for geography students (2nd edition)
Mathews, H. & Foster , I. (1989) Geographical data: sources, presentation and analysis
Middleton N (2008) The Global Casino (4th edition)
Watts, S & Halliwell, L. (1996) Essential Environmental Science: Methods & Techniques. Routledge

Cartography & Aerial Photography lectures - 10 hrs
Cartography & Aerial Photography workshops - 20 hrs
Statistics lectures - 12 hrs
Statistics workshops - 24 hrs
Fieldwork - 16 hrs
Tutorials - 12 hrs

This module is composed of four main elements:
1) The major component of the course centres on the peak district residential field weekend and involves a series of weekly one hour lectures and two hour cartography workshops, which enable students on environmental awards to gain a critical appreciation of maps and mapping, map interpretation, basic cartographic techniques, computer cartography techniques, and poster design.
2) A fortnightly tutorial programme will introduce key learning to learn skills - note taking, reading, essay writing and library use. As part of the tutorial programme, students will undertake independent distance-learning activities on Information Technology in environmental studies (the use of word processing, spreadsheets and internet and desk-top publishing), which will consist of students following worksheets.
3) Aerial Photography skills will be delivered through a combination of a weekly one hour lecture and a two hour workshop, which will teach students basic aerial photographic interpretation, classification and representation.
4) Statistical methods will be delivered through a combination of a weekly one hour lecture and a two hour workshop, which will encourage student familiarity with the application of numerical data, and develop this through the use of computer based statistics software.

(a) Peak District Portfolio Project: The Peak District element of the course will be assessed by a portfolio of work consisting of a poster assignment (20%) and a series of cartography workshop exercises (20%) (TOTAL: 40%) [Learning outcomes: 2,3,5,6]
(b) Tutorial Portfolio: Tutorials will be assessed by a portfolio containing an essay on an environmental issue (10%) and a reflective essay (10%) (TOTAL: 20%) [Learning outcomes: 3, 7]
(c) Aerial Photographs Portfolio: Aerial photograph workshops will be assessed by a portfolio of workshop exercises (10%) (TOTAL: 10%) [Learning outcomes: 1]
(d) Statistic Portfolio: Statistics will be assessed by a portfolio of work consisting of workshop exercises (20%) and a one hour open-book class test (10%) (TOTAL: 30%) [Learning outcomes: 4]

Additional Assessment Details:
The Peak District element of the course uses the information and observations collected during the residential field course component of this module.

The reflective tutorial essay will involve students reflecting on their academic and personal development through the course of Level 1.

Please note: Normally, to pass the module as well as achieving an overall Grade-Point 4, students much achieve at least a Grade-Point 2 in each of the assessed elements above.

Formative Assessment: To help with skills development many of the workshop exercises will be collected in at the end of workshop session and feedback provided the following week. Tutorial handouts contain formative questions that allow students to self-evaluate their own understanding of tutorial materials. Formative feedback will also be provided through the course of the tutorial programme on a diagnostic `mini essay¿ and `mini-report¿ and on a series of independent distance-learning activities relating to key IT skills.