Module Descriptors
GLACIERS AND ICE AGES
GEOG50495
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Fiona Tweed
Email: F.S.Tweed@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 15
Independent Study Hours: 135
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
One 2 hour examination (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4]
One 1250 - 1500 word coursework essay (50%) [1, 2, 4]
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will consist of a short answer section and a choice of essay questions from which one must be answered.
The coursework essay will be selected from a choice of essay questions distributed early in the module.
Formative Assessment: Self/peer assessed quizzes and/or the use of formative questions on handouts will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans
One 1250 - 1500 word coursework essay (50%) [1, 2, 4]
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will consist of a short answer section and a choice of essay questions from which one must be answered.
The coursework essay will be selected from a choice of essay questions distributed early in the module.
Formative Assessment: Self/peer assessed quizzes and/or the use of formative questions on handouts will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans
Module Indicative Content
This module examines both contemporary and past glacial and fluvio-glacial processes and landforms. The module will discuss both documented processes and controversies that arise from recent glacial research within contemporary glacial environments (e.g. Iceland, Antarctica). Foci will include subglacial environments, glacial movement anomalies, ice sheet dynamics and the formation and drainage of ice-dammed lakes. Contemporary understanding will be related to the description and interpretation of Quaternary glacial landforms and landscapes within the UK. Evidence for Late Quaternary environmental change is examined on a regional basis, with particular emphasis on the Irish Sea Basin and the Scottish Highlands.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) 10 weekly 1-hour lectures
(b) 5 fortnightly 1-hour workshop sessions
(c) independent learning through directed reading and assessment.
(a) 10 weekly 1-hour lectures
(b) 5 fortnightly 1-hour workshop sessions
(c) independent learning through directed reading and assessment.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Resources
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & email facilities.
Module Texts
Benn, D.I. & Evans, D.J.A. (1998) Glaciers and Glaciation. Arnold.
Hambrey, M. (1994) Glacial Environments. UCL Press, London.
Gordon, J.E. (ed.) (1997) Reflections on the Ice Age in Scotland. SNGT & SNH, Glasgow.
Jones, R.L. & Keen, D.H. (1993) Pleistocene Environments in the British Isles. Chapman & Hall, London.
Walker, M.J.C. & Bell, M. (2004) Late Quaternary Environmental Change, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.
Hambrey, M. (1994) Glacial Environments. UCL Press, London.
Gordon, J.E. (ed.) (1997) Reflections on the Ice Age in Scotland. SNGT & SNH, Glasgow.
Jones, R.L. & Keen, D.H. (1993) Pleistocene Environments in the British Isles. Chapman & Hall, London.
Walker, M.J.C. & Bell, M. (2004) Late Quaternary Environmental Change, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.