Module manager: Dr Paul Morris
Email: p.j.morris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| GEOG2016 | European Alps Field Class |
| GEOG2018 | Portugal Field Class |
GEOG2024 Physical Geography Field Class
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 montane and Mediterranean environments in southern Europe and is centred on a week-long field trip to Mallorca during the Easter vacation. Preparatory reading and a 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 apply these skills by working in small groups on self-selected projects. The group will plan their research, collect field measurements, analyse and interpret the data, and each student will write an individual report on the results on their return.
On completion of this module students will have acquired:
1. knowledge of the geology, landscapes and climates represented in this region of southern Europe past and present, their impacts on (and interactions with) ecology, geomorphological and hydrological processes, and relevance to local issues of land management 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 data analysis methods learned in other modules.
On completion of this module, students should have:
1. developed an appreciation of the geology, soils, geomorphology, palaeoecology, ecology, climate, agriculture, economy and culture in a region characterised by distinctive climatic, geological and ecological gradients;
2. planned research projects involving field measurements, analysis and interpretation;
3. applied their theoretical knowledge and skills in physical geography and statistical analysis and be able to use these effectively for independent research.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
ACADEMIC
1. Critical Thinking: the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
2. Academic writing: the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence
3. Academic language: the ability to use the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency needed to be able to learn effectively and demonstrate understanding.
4. Presentation skills: the ability to deliver effective and engaging oral and visual presentations to a variety of audiences
WORK READY
5. Teamwork/Collaboration: The ability to build positive relationships with other people which then enables successful projects or other collaborations
6. Working under pressure: The ability to tolerate pressure: to stay calm and level-headed whilst working to demands and deadlines.
ENTERPRISE
7.Planning and mobilising resources: Prioritize, organizing and managing the resources and you need
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 | 1 | 48 | 48 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 51 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 49 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Student progress is monitored by: 1. performance on the field course each day 2. field notebook (checked midway through the trip) 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