Module manager: Dr Mark Smith
Email: m.w.smith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
| GEOG2016 | European Alps Field Class |
| GEOG2017 | Mallorca 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 western Europe and is centred on a week-long field trip to Portugal 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 put these skills into practice 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 south-west Europe past and present, their impacts on (and interactions with) ecology, evolution, 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 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. 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. the ability to plan 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
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 | 50 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Presentation will be assessed during field class. For the notebook, students will be given formative feedback during the trip and assessed when submitted with the report on last day of the trip. Resit assessment: academic essay on the geology, soils, geomorphology, palaeoecology, ecology, climate, agriculture, economy and culture in a region, including a proposed further research outline. Disclaimer: Resit exercises must be appropriate for individual students to take alone, and do not take place in groups. The skills learning objective in teamworking (SLO 5) is therefore not assessed by resit exercises on this module. However, teamwork skills are assessed in other modules throughout the degree programme.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team