Module manager: David Hodgson
Email: d.hodgson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This skills-based module equips you with the specialist training needed to plan, execute, and write up an independent site investigation project in Year 3. The foundation of this training is a field class where you will develop core competencies in geological and geomorphological mapping, as well as the characterization of sedimentary successions and landforms. Following the fieldwork, you will produce a detailed written report and construct a 3D geological model using industry-standard software. In addition, the module provides a strong grounding in essential analytical skills, including data plotting, map interpretation, and the integration of spatial datasets.
This module aims to provide you with a core set of transferable presentational and analytical skills, giving you with a competitive skillset, ready for subsequent careers and to facilitate your transition from Higher Education to the workplace, or further research. You will learn how to plan and prepare to safely undertake a programme of fieldwork (or other scientific data collection), how to write-up a site report independently, how to use and interpret geological maps and structural cross-sections, how to how to use 1D and 2D data to build a 3D geological model, as well as develop your quantitative and data presentation skills.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Produce a synthesis of the geology of a study area via analysis of literature sources.
SSLO2: Communicate the results of a field campaign via the production of correctly structured and illustrated report and building a 3D geological model.
SSLO3: Demonstrate competencies in the common techniques used to interrogate published geological maps and develop three dimensional interpretations of the Earth’s interior and its temporal evolution.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Communicate effectively in written form to accurately report the results and interpretation of own field data and literature-based research (academic writing, effective communication, academic language).
SKLO2: Use digital technology to create accessible digital items such as 3D geological models and other data visualisation products (digital creation, creativity and innovation, presentation).
SKLO3: Manage own time effectively and produce multi-component assignments over a sustained period of work (personal management, active learning, working under pressure).
SKLO4: Use reasoning to evaluate and solve problems, particularly applying quantitively approaches to understand complex systems (critical thinking, systems thinking, decision making).
SKLO5: Research, collate, and synthesise information from peer-reviewed scientific literature on a specific geological region or process (academic writing, information searching, referencing)
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 15 | 2 | 30 |
| Fieldwork | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 144 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 56 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
As this is a ‘skills’ module, formative feedback is provided extensively throughout the individual strands.
Report writing and dissertation prep: regular formative feedback on written work, dissertation plans etc are a core part of the delivery plans for these strands (the report is written sequentially in sections, each submitted for feedback). This includes tutorials that involve specific discussions and examples of how to respond to such feedback.
Geological maps: each practical session involves practicing technical skills with questions and model answers provided throughout. Staff and demo also provided worked examples during the sessions.
Quantitative reasoning: as above, this strand is primarily focussed on applying practical skills with worked examples and demonstrations each session.
3D model building skills: constant informal feedback from teaching staff as students build a 3D geological model from field data, using industry standard software, which is an authentic assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Coursework | Coursework – pass for progression required | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Exam / OSCE | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
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: 11/05/2026
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