Module Descriptors
GLACIERS AND ICE AGES
GEOG60483
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Fiona Tweed
Email: F.S.Tweed@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
Benn, D.I. & Evans, D.J.A. (1998) Glaciers and Glaciation. Arnold.
Evans, D.J.A. & Benn, D.I. (2004) A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. 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.
Evans, D.J.A. & Benn, D.I. (2004) A Practical Guide to the Study of Glacial Sediments. 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.
Module Resources
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & email facilities, Blackboard.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered through blended learning. There will be 20 hours of face-to-face learning as part of a two week summer school of 20 hours followed by an on-line VLE (Blackboard) support for learning and assessment over the summer 'semester'.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Module Additional Assessment Details
One 2 hour examination (50%) [1, 2, 4]
One 1500-1750 word essay (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4]
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will consist of a choice of essay questions, 2 of which must be answered.
The coursework essay will be selected from a choice of essay questions distributed early in the module.
The examination will be held on campus during the August referral period.
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 report plans
One 1500-1750 word essay (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4]
Additional Assessment Details:
The examination will consist of a choice of essay questions, 2 of which must be answered.
The coursework essay will be selected from a choice of essay questions distributed early in the module.
The examination will be held on campus during the August referral period.
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 report 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.