Module manager: Prof Roel Brienen
Email: R.Brienen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| GEOG2095 | Skills for Physical Geographers |
| GEOG2116 | Research project and skills in physical geography (geologica |
| GEOG2117 | Research project and skills in physical geography (geography |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Tenerife contains a diverse range of landscapes: coasts, volcanoes, arid regions, pine forests, and more. As a result, Tenerife represents an excellent study area to conduct a scientific research investigation that brings together elements that you have learned from across your physical geography degree. In this week-long January fieldtrip, you will design a bespoke research investigation, gather your own data, and write up the results in the format of a scientific article. You will put into practice the fieldwork, research, GIS, statistical, and/or analytical skills that you have developed throughout your degree to conduct this independent investigation. On the fieldtrip, you will be introduced to the locale by staff, but will ultimately be the leaders of your own research. You will be encouraged to consider the sustainability challenges in the environment studied and in carrying out your research.
On completion of the module, students should have acquired:
1- Knowledge of the physical geography of Tenerife, the development of the landscape, interactions between elements of the Earth system in Tenerife, and their relevance to local issues;
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 design and carry out a research project involving international fieldwork which fulfils a set of aims and objectives, applying skills gained from across their degree.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Design, plan, and execute an independent, field-based research project.
2- Develop and implement solutions based on problems encountered in the field to demonstrate resilience in fieldwork.
3- Evaluate the challenges involved in performing scientific research in a field environment.
4- Conduct fieldwork with respect to health and safety guidance and sustainability considerations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1- Planning and managing resources surrounding fieldwork tasks (Enterprise Skills)
2- Technical field skills (e.g. biodiversity sampling, geological surveys, river dynamics) as appropriate for the chosen research topic.
3- Digital and data proficiency to communicate and collaborate effectively with peers (Digital Skills)
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 | 8 | 48 |
| Lecture | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 148 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 52 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Staff will provide formative feedback during Semester 1 in the research design phase to discuss what is feasible / not. During the fieldtrip, staff will provide formative feedback and assistance throughout to enable students to alter their research plans while there. Staff will also conduct regular check-ins during the fieldtrip evenings.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 20 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 01/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team