Module manager: Ryan R. Neely III
Email: R.Neely@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| SOEE3801 | Fieldwork and tutorials 3 |
| SOEE5096M | Observing weather and climate: advanced field skills |
SOEE3790
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module, you will build advanced, hands-on environmental field skills that are used in both research and industry. You will learn how to: design, build, and install field equipment and sensors collect your own (primary) data in the field analyse and interpret that data using scientific methods communicate your findings clearly, linking your results to published research A key part of the module is a residential field course, followed by more practical sessions back in Leeds. Together, these activities will help you test scientific ideas (hypotheses) and draw your own evidence-based conclusions from the results. No previous experience or specialist knowledge is needed.
This module guides you through the full process of planning and running a real field campaign to observe and measure the environment — from planning at your desk, to collecting data in the field, and then returning to analyse and interpret your results.
You will work in teams and gain both the theory and practical experience behind a wide range of research techniques used in environmental, atmospheric, ecological, and climate science. You will:
• choose, design, and build your own field instrumentation, including setting up live data feeds
• collect physical data using professional field methods
• process and analyse your data using a mix of computer-based tools and hands-on (analogue) techniques
• interpret your findings to understand atmospheric structure, local and regional weather and climate patterns, and ecological diversity
• connect your results to up-to-date scientific research by using and referencing published literature
Your fieldwork and independent project activities are supported by leading researchers from the University of Leeds and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
Learning will culminate with two research projects:
• one unassessed project completed during the residential field course
• one assessed project completed after the instrument-building workshops and deployment work in Leeds
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Design and execute an appropriate observation campaign with bespoke instrumentation to measure environmental variables
SSLO2: Evaluate implicit error/uncertainty within those measurements
SSLO3: Draw robust conclusions from primary data
SSLO4: Independently research, synthesise and critically analyse existing literature.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Design and execute an appropriate observation campaign with bespoke instrumentation to measure environmental variables
SSLO2: Evaluate implicit error/uncertainty within those measurements
SSLO3: Draw robust conclusions from primary data
SSLO4: Independently research, synthesise and critically analyse existing literature
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of primary and secondary data;
- acquiring or building and installing appropriate observational instrumentation;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate research- and industry-standard techniques in the field;
- undertaking field investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders;
- appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field;
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research; preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- integrating current state of the art knowledge with conclusions drawn from primary data;
- managing a series of tasks as a team and working within a prescribed timeframe.
The module places moderate emphasis on:
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- using the Internet critically as a source of information and access point for online tools (e.g. atmospheric models) and data (e.g. climatologies, synoptic charts);
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles;
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members.
The module places some emphasis on:
- recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques; recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Supervision | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Supervision | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fieldwork | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Practical | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 155 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 45 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There are many opportunities for learners to receive formative feedback, primarily through the time spent with instructors.
During the residential field course, learners will undertake online research, critical thinking and data analysis activities within their teams, where learners will visualise and interpret their data to answer questions on the science topics in the syllabus. Field instructors, including activity leaders and support staff, will be on-hand throughout to actively mentor learners through their research and learning, check their understanding from their answers to the set questions, and feedback on their practical techniques and analytical work. The residential field course will culminate in learners undertaking a capstone research project under the guidance of the instructors, with the results to be presented orally and graphically in a mini-conference on the final day of the field course. Instructors and peers will ask questions of the presenters, and will issue summary feedback (orally) on performance.
In Leeds, a discursive seminar will give learners the opportunity to express ideas and quiz the instructors, while the instructors will also feedback their assessment of what is expressed in a two-way dialogue. They will attend two tutorials to exchange ideas and receive guidance on interesting literature review topics and how to approach the literature review. During the practical workshops and local field course, instructors will guide learners through the practical steps, providing immediate feedback on technique so that learners develop their skills and have the opportunity to improve. In these sessions, learners will be quizzed informally through discussion on their understanding of the taught material in order to provide useful, immediate feedback for their reports. In these sessions and during the local 1-day field course, instructors will provide the opportunity for learners to discuss their research plans for the independent research project and receive guidance/feedback on their ideas. Instructors will use digital platforms to check in with students throughout the learning journey.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 25 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 75 |
| 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: 30/04/2026
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