Description
Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year
BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology | Programme code | UFS3GOACSMCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
At our Penryn Campus in Cornwall we offer a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where you are encouraged to make the most of Cornwall’s unique environment, both in your studies and in your free time. Our Geography and Geology programme benefits from this context in treating Cornwall as a ‘natural laboratory’, taking learning into the field to explore the incredible diversity of rocks, environments, Earth system processes and natural landscapes in the region.
If you choose to study Geography and Geology in Cornwall you will be taught by expert, internationally research-active staff from the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science (CGES), and from Camborne School of Mines (CSM), who together cover a wide range of physical geography and geology specialisms, including Earth system science, petrology, stratigraphy, palaeontology, sedimentology, environmental sustainability and history, climate change, remote sensing, landscape change and hydrogeology. Teaching and research activities emphasise the value of interdisciplinary thinking, and you develop your knowledge in a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and an informal, friendly ambiance.
Our programmes are designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to compete in today’s graduate job market. You will have access to the latest technologies and the opportunity to carry out a work placement. Field work forms a key component of this degree programme, and you will go on regular one-day field trips within Cornwall as well as residential field trips further afield.
When participating in field courses, you will be required to cover any visa costs and, if necessary, purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations. You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen. Details of specialist equipment, vaccinations and visas that you must supply at your own expense are provided at http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6569
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology programme aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the internal and external processes that have controlled Earth’s evolution, including climate change. The programme explores the physical processes shaping the Earth’s surface over different temporal and spatial scales and how these relate to the solid Earth. Field and laboratory work are key elements of the programme, intended to equip you with the key skills required to compete as a professional geoscientist and as basis for further progression to a higher degree (MSc). In addition, the programme aims to develop your personal and key skills in verbal and written communication, data analysis, manipulation and interpretation, numerical problem solving, personal time management, team work and group interaction. As you progress through the programme you will have the opportunity develop your own interests in the discipline and gain a more detailed and nuanced appreciation of a variety of specific aspects of physical geography and geology in which staff in CGES and CSM specialise. The programme is underpinned by research-led teaching, starting in year 2 but forming the core of the modules delivered in the final year.
We use a combination of traditional teaching methods such as exams and essays, coupled with innovative teaching and learning methods which together create a stimulating and effective learning environment. Similarly, our assessment ranges from more conventional examinations and essays to writing research proposals, practical reports and field guides. We have standard assessment criteria for coursework essays, exams, oral presentations, posters, dissertations, field notebooks and learning diaries.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/
http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/geologycsm/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 15 credits outside of the programme in the first stage and up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the second and final stages of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
If you have mobility or health disabilities that prevent you from undertaking intensive fieldwork, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered. This could include replacing a fieldwork module with an alternative in agreement with the Director of Education.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module LES3910 Professional Development Experience in any year. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules
a This compulsory module involves a series of one-day fieldtrips in Term 2 on Fridays and a residential fieldtrip during a week in early May. These will have to be taken into account by timetabling for both Year 2 and over the exam period.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSM1031 | Earth and Environmental Chemistry | 15 | No |
| CSM1036 | Field Geology and Geological Maps [See note a above] | 30 | No |
| CSM1042 | Dynamic Planet | 15 | No |
| CSM1044 | Earth History and Palaeontology | 15 | No |
| GEO1405B | Earth System Science | 15 | No |
| GEO1414 | Geography Tutorials | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoP S1 BSc G&G - Geography opt 2019-0 | |||
| GEO1406B | Analysis of Environmental Data | 15 | No |
| GEO1506B | West Penwith Fieldclass | 15 | No |
| GEO1408B | Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 | No |
| GeoP S1 BSc G&G - Geology opt 2019-0 | |||
| CSM1045 | Surveying and Digital Mapping | 15 | No |
Stage 2
30 credits of compulsory Geography modules, 30 credits of compulsory Geology modules, 60 credits of optional modules (including at least 30 credits of Geography modules and 15 credits of Geology modules).
b The field course module, GEO2447, is compulsory. If you are unable to take the field course, you will be required to select another optional 15-credit module.
c This module includes the Dorset Field Course.
d You must take CSM1041 Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists if you plan to take CSM3152 Hydrogeology in the final stage.
e You may not take GEO2449 and LES2002 in the same academic year.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSM2183 | Sedimentology [See note c above] | 30 | No |
| GEO2447 | Isles of Scilly Field Course [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| GEO2448 | Research Methods in Geography, Environment and Society | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoP S2 BSc G&G - Geography opt 2019-0 | |||
| GEO2428B | Atmosphere and Ocean Systems | 15 | No |
| GEO2441 | Remote Sensing for Environmental Management | 15 | No |
| GEO2451 | Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans | 15 | No |
| GEO2444 | Landscape Evolution | 15 | No |
| GEO2440 | Geographical Information Science and Systems | 15 | No |
| GEO2450 | Biogeography | 15 | No |
| GeoP S2 BSc G&G - Geology opt 2019-0 [See note d above] | |||
| CSM2182 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 30 | No |
| CSM1041 | Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists | 15 | No |
| GeoP Employability opt [See note e above] | |||
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO2453 | Social Innovation Consultants | 15 | No |
| LES2002 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
Stage 3
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules.
e You may not take GEO2449 and LES2002 in the same academic year.
f GEO3460 Dissertation in Geography-Geology is a 40-credit GEO-coded module but you may select a supervisor from either CLES or CEMPS (i.e. in Geography or Geology).
- If your Dissertation is taken in Geography, you must take at least 15 optional credits at level 6 in Geography and 30 optional credits at level 6 in Geology to qualify for the award in order to maintain credit balance between the two subject areas across all three years of the programme.
- If your Dissertation is taken in Geology you must take at least 45 optional credits at level 6 in Geography to qualify for the award in order to maintain credit balance between the two subject areas across all three years of the programme.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO3460 | Dissertation in Geography-Geology [See note f above] | 40 | Yes |
| LES3001 | Preparing to Graduate | 5 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoP SF BSc G&G - Geography opt 2019-0 | |||
| GEO3455 | Marine Climate and Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3448 | Quaternary Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3443 | USA Field Course | 30 | No |
| GEO3454 | Antarctica: Science from a Frozen Continent | 15 | No |
| GEO3461 | Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment? | 15 | No |
| GeoP SF BSc G&G - Geology opt 2019-0 | |||
| CSM3060 | Dynamic Climates of the Past | 15 | No |
| CSM3049 | Contaminated Land Management and Remediation | 15 | No |
| CSM3152 | Hydrogeology | 15 | No |
| CSM3061 | Energy Resource Geology | 15 | No |
| GeoP Employability opt [See note e above] | |||
| GEO2449 | Green Consultants | 15 | No |
| GEO2453 | Social Innovation Consultants | 15 | No |
| LES2002 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Recognise the structure and composition of the solid Earth (e.g. core, mantle, crust), the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere and the processes operating within and between them. | Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading / research and you are given very clear guidance in how to manage your learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated by laboratory work, private study exercises and, in particular, by field classes. Work is carried out individually and in groups with tutorial support and is both self-assessed and tutor marked to provide feedback. Field work and project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional. | Direct assessment is through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book and marked coursework in the form of essays, problem sheets, presentations, laboratory reports and reports based on directed reading/research. Field work-based modules are a major component of the overall programme assessment; their summative assessment is based on field notebooks, field slips, geological maps and associated reports. Dissertations are assessed through a combination of mid-term presentation and formal assessment of final reports and presentations. Formative feedback is offered during all field trips during discussions with staff in the field. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
18. Recognise and use subject-specific theories, paradigms and concepts. | 18-21 are integrated into most modules and developed steadily throughout the first, second and final years; in particular, 19-21 are developed during second and final year field work and dissertation modules. 22 is developed by use in modules throughout the programme. 23-25 are introduced in a number of first year modules, developed further in many second and final year modules, where extensive field data collection and laboratory work is undertaken. 23-25 are an integral part of the field work and dissertation modules in the final year. 26 is developed throughout the three years of the programme and is taught explicitly in stage 1. | Problem-solving, analytical and synthesis skills are assessed within many modules through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework. These skills are primarily shown, however, in dissertation and field work modules in the second and final stages, (assessed via written report and field documents, verbal presentation). Practical skills are assessed in part through laboratory reports and logbooks throughout the first and second years, but mainly through the field work modules in all years and the dissertation, where they are used extensively. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
27. Receive and respond to a variety of information styles (written, verbal and graphic) and communicate in these styles to different audiences, including use of the Internet. | 27 and 29 are specifically introduced throughout the programme with regular verbal and written presentations of work. 28 is explicitly covered in almost all second and final year modules. 29-30 are introduced in key first and second year modules, further developed in all the second year modules, most of the final year modules. 31 is developed through laboratory and group work in many modules, especially those involving field courses. 32 is initially developed in the first year with you being required to carry out regular reviews of you own progress, upon which you get formal feedback through tutorials. Further development occurs throughout the programme, particularly in the final year Dissertation. | Assessment of key skills occurs throughout the entire programme, mostly through items of coursework in the form of written and oral presentations, field notebooks and maps, and project reports. 27-30 are implicitly assessed in all modules and explicitly assessed in many modules across all years. 31 is implicitly assessed in group work throughout the programme and explicitly in the second year field course module. 32 is implicit in much of your study but is explicitly tested in first year tutorials. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be located jointly in the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, and Camborne School of Mines, on the Penryn Campus. You will receive formative feedback after seminars, in-lecture exercises and other formal learning experiences. Project supervisors provide academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research components of the programme. In addition, the Programme Director will offer every student a meeting each term with an academic who provides guidance and feedback on assessment performance. Your progress will be monitored and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and studentsÂ’ learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS)Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology
19. UCAS Code
FF86
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 12/03/2019 |
Date of last revision | 12/06/2019 |
|---|