Physical Geography Virtual Field Trip

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

The physical geography virtual fieldtrip offers an opportunity to you to develop and apply your research skills in a “virtual” real world environment.  The virtual fieldtrip mirrors the Iceland fieldtrip, studying glaciers, geomorphology and past climate change. The field trip focuses on these processes at localities in the southeast of Iceland at the edge of the Vatnajökull Ice Cap, through the use of data collected in the field in previous years.

It will consist of two main parts:

• Pre-trip preparation: this involves a mix of lectures, group presentations and self-directed study that provide you with the necessary background information and data to successfully undertake the field class.  This will run jointly with the Iceland fieldtrip group.
• Five days of self-directed learning using online resources provided.

Geography FCH students may elect to take this module if they are taking 60 or more credits in Geography at stage 2 including GEO2330 Research Methods for Physical Geography (15 credits) and GEO2331 Research Design in Physical Geography (15 credits).

Module aims - intentions of the module

The field trip has the following main aims:

• To provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through lecture-based modules to field-based geographical study
• To enable you to acquire skills in measurement techniques and research design.
• To help you to develop and extend your awareness of the importance of taught, learnt and observational skills, in strengthening employability potential.
• To develop transferable skills, including effective communication, time management, presentation skills.
• To give you further preparatory training for undertaking your dissertation (GEO3321/GEO3322), especially in experimental design and execution of a research project.
• To conduct a complete research project from start to finish (developing numerous skills including, project planning, management, data analysis).

By attending the taught session and completing formative and summative assessed coursework you will develop further your academic and professional skills. Such skills include evaluating research evidence and scientific ideas, critical thinking, discussion and presentation skills. This will help you to grow confidence and practice how to develop and present your own views and ideas in presentations or discussions and written work. You will practice how to master unfamiliar topics and respond to novel problems, how to manage structure by identifying the key information and components of a study or project, follow set goals and manage your time and workload effectively, accommodate changes in topic and prioritise tasks.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe selected field-based methodologies and techniques used in collecting, analysing and presenting geographical information within the specific context of field based geographical research, and apply these with limited guidance
• 2. Identify, formulate and evaluate questions or problems
• 3. Design, execute and report on a short research project (with due consideration of safety and risk assessment)
• 4. Discuss specific case studies and examples relevant to specific themes relating to the field class
• 5. Describe and explain the results of practical fieldwork and relate results to existing bodies of geographical knowledge
• 6. Apply, interpret and use with limited guidance numerical and statistical (geographical) information
• 7. Take a systematic approach to accuracy, precision and uncertainty

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Identify a diverse range of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding
• 9. Apply geographical concepts in different situations
• 10. Outline the nature of change within physical environments
• 11. Discuss reciprocal relationships between physical and human environments
• 12. Explain the significance of spatial relationships as influences upon physical environments

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 13. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means
• 14. Use technologies effectively and appropriately and with limited guidance to select, analyse, present and communicate geographical information
• 15. Undertake independent/self-directed study/learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment
• 16. Work as a participant and leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives
• 17. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

The trip will “virtually” visit Vatnajökull in southeast Iceland. The syllabus will be through online material and interaction with the module convener. Topics covered by this module include:

• Glacial geomorphology
• Glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaups) and drainage
• Relative dating techniques (lichenometry and Schmidt hammer analysis)

Details of specific locations, activities, and content of the fieldtrips will be issued during the previous semester.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Reading lists appropriate to each field trip will be issued during the previous term.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6588

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Field trip