Module manager: Prof Lee Brown
Email: l.brown@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| GEOG2017 | Mallorca Field Class |
| GEOG2018 | Portugal Field Class |
GEOG2006 The dynamic environment of the European Alps
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to field methods in physical Geography, focusing on research issues specific to the alpine environments of the European Alps and is centred around a week-long field trip to the European Alps during the Summer vacation. Preparatory reading and a pre-trip lecture introduce the field area and scientific topics. During the first few days of the field trip, students will be introduced to the locale and to a range of different fieldwork skills. Students will then put these skills into practice by working in a small group on a project chosen by the group. The group will plan their research, collect field measurements, analyse and interpret the data, write a report on the results and present these.
On completion of this module, students should have acquired:
1. knowledge of the geology, landscapes and climates represented in this region of the European Alps past and present, their impacts on (and interactions with) ecology, geochemistry, glaciological and geomorphological processes, and relevance to local issues of resources and conservation;
2. an understanding of how to plan, collect, analyse and interpret field measurements of environmental phenomena for research in physical geography;
3. an understanding of how to carry out a project which fulfils a set of aims and objectives, and uses statistical and/or modelling methods learned in other modules.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. have developed an appreciation of the geology, soils, geomorphology, glaciology, ecology, climate, geochemistry and resources in a region characterised by distinctive climatic, geological and ecological gradients;
2. be able to plan research projects involving field measurements, analysis and interpretation;
3. have applied their theoretical knowledge and skills in physical geography and statistical analysis to effectively carry out an independent piece of research work.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. ability to plan, complete and communicate (present and write up using appropriate academic language) fieldwork tasks
2. demonstrate competence in the use of selected field equipment
3. demonstrate ability to accurately record field measurements
4. understand and act on health and safety guidance in a field setting
5. demonstrate collegiality in group work and division of labour with appropriate time management skills
The module's objectives may be fulfilled through alternative means, including digital resources, if we judge that conducting field activities in a specified destination has become unsafe or unviable.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 6 | 12 | 72 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 26 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 74 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Student progress is monitored by:
1. performance on the field course each day
2. field notebook (checked after first day and formative feedback provided)
3. assessed work for the field course.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits for all assessments will take place as individual alternatives using datasets gathered from the field class. The module's objectives may be fulfilled through alternative means, including digital resources, if we judge that conducting field activities in a specified destination has become unsafe or unviable.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 09/07/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team