Description
Physical Geography Virtual Field Trip
Module title | Physical Geography Virtual Field Trip |
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Module code | GEO2307E |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Anne Le Brocq (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
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Description - summary of the module content
Module description
The physical geography virtual fieldtrip offers an opportunity for you to develop and apply your research skills in a “virtual” real world environment. Cutting-edge data collection methods are presenting a new opportunity for ever realistic field “experiences”, which will allow you to develop field and research design techniques without needing to travel for the field trip experience.
It will consist of two main parts:
- Pre-trip preparation: this involves a mix of lectures, presentations and self-directed study that provide you with the necessary background information and data to successfully undertake the field class.
- 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 GEO2331 Research Design in Physical Geography (15 credits) and GEO2332 Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers (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 a real world environment. The syllabus will be through online material and interaction with the module convener. Topics covered by this module include:
- Research design methods
- Data collection methods
- Data visualisation
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)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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10 | 140 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 5 | Preparatory lecture sessions background and presentations |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 5 | Discussions and advice with Virtual Trip leader during the fieldtrip week |
Guided Independent Study | 30 | Virtual field trip online directed learning during the fieldtrip week |
Guided Independent Study | 110 | Reading, research and completing coursework |
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Oral presentation 1 during the fieldtrip week, presenting your research aims and methods | 10 minutes | All | Oral |
Oral presentation 2 during the fieldtrip, presenting your findings allowing you to receive feedback before writing your reports (if build up lectures attended) | 15 minutes | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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75 | 0 | 25 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Presentation | 25 | 10 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions | All | Written and oral |
Individual field report | 75 | 2000 words | 1-15, 17 | Written |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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PowerPoint presentation | Submit a powerpoint (15 slides) presentation and office hour discussion | 1-15, 17 | August Ref/Def |
Individual field report | Individual field report (2000 words) | 1-15, 17 | August Ref/Def |
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 fail the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%), you will be required to submit a 3000-word project report based upon desk-based research on a theme, site, or issue related to the field trip location. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and 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
Module has an active ELE page
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | GEO2331 Research Design in Physical Geography and GEO2332 Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 14/08/2015 |
Last revision date | 17/09/2019 |