Module Descriptors
UK GEOGRAPHY FIELD CLASS
GEOG50262
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 62
Independent Study Hours: 88
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- GROUP PROJECT weighted at 55%
- REPORT weighted at 45%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The module consists of a residential field class and is designed:
(a) To provide students with further training in research project design, planning, execution, analysis and presentation.
(b) To provide additional training in and opportunities to develop further the student's ability to observe and 'read' landscapes.
(c) For students to conduct a regional / case study approach, applying 'classroom' concepts to complex, 'real-world' situations.
The students will conduct a number of staff-led and student-led projects covering a range of subjects appropriate to their award e.g. recreation provision in resort towns, resource use and conflict in National Parks, retail / shopping patterns and demographics, coastal zone management, transport sustainability of towns, dune ecological surveys and management, micro-climate studies with land use, stream discharge and water quality etc.
(a) To provide students with further training in research project design, planning, execution, analysis and presentation.
(b) To provide additional training in and opportunities to develop further the student's ability to observe and 'read' landscapes.
(c) For students to conduct a regional / case study approach, applying 'classroom' concepts to complex, 'real-world' situations.
The students will conduct a number of staff-led and student-led projects covering a range of subjects appropriate to their award e.g. recreation provision in resort towns, resource use and conflict in National Parks, retail / shopping patterns and demographics, coastal zone management, transport sustainability of towns, dune ecological surveys and management, micro-climate studies with land use, stream discharge and water quality etc.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) contextual lectures and project preparation sessions (10 hours),
(b) 6 days of fieldwork (48 hours),
(c) follow-up sessions for analysis guidance and presentation (4 hours),
(d) independent individual and group study.
(a) contextual lectures and project preparation sessions (10 hours),
(b) 6 days of fieldwork (48 hours),
(c) follow-up sessions for analysis guidance and presentation (4 hours),
(d) independent individual and group study.
Module Additional Assessment Details
(a) a group research paper / journal article (3000-3500 words equivalent) reporting on the student-led project [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] (55%).
(b) a report / essay (1250-1500 words) on one of the staff-led projects [1, 2, 4, 6] (45%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: formative assessment consisting of evening report back and discussion sessions on each days fieldwork [6]. Feedback from these sessions can then be incorporated into both the group research paper and individual report/essay. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on plans for their coursework assignments.
(b) a report / essay (1250-1500 words) on one of the staff-led projects [1, 2, 4, 6] (45%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: formative assessment consisting of evening report back and discussion sessions on each days fieldwork [6]. Feedback from these sessions can then be incorporated into both the group research paper and individual report/essay. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on plans for their coursework assignments.
Module Resources
University library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre and IT Suite, laboratories appropriate to a range of analytical methods, maps, aerial photographs and field equipment appropriate to the field location and topics to be explored during the field course. Blackboard.
Module Texts
Specific regional / area and subject matter texts PLUS:
Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography.
Flowerdew, R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition
Goudie, A (1990) Geomorphological techniques.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research
Watts, S & L Halliwell (1996) Essential environmental science: methods & techniques.
Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography.
Flowerdew, R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition
Goudie, A (1990) Geomorphological techniques.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research
Watts, S & L Halliwell (1996) Essential environmental science: methods & techniques.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None