2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE2640 Advanced Field Work

10 creditsClass Size: 5

Module manager: Dr John Marsham
Email: J.Marsham@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

A background in environmental science/ meteorology

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE2540

Environmental Science Skills 2

Module replaces

SOEE2020

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will have first hand substansive knowledge of the physical and chemical attributes of the environment in a specific locality through participation in a residential field course. They will have skills in analysis, synthesis and integration of information, and in the application of related theoretical knowledge, where relevant. They will appreciate related issues of the investigation of the exploitation of resources and other human impacts on the environment. Some of the ethical and moral issues related to these issues will also be invesitgated. They will develop field-based practical and research skills, including observation, recording, analysis and assimilation of information. They will develop additional skills such as team working, decision making, communication (written, poster and oral), problem solving, self management, initiative, working effectively under tight deadlines, interpersonal and professional relationships.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of some important physical and chemical measurement techniques and their application in the environmental sciences;
- gain an appreciation of the precision, accuracy and uncertainty involved in sample collection, analysis and recording of data;
- demonstrate practice skills in analysis, synthesis and integration of information, and in the application of related theoretical knowledge, where relevant. They will appreciate related issues of the investigation of the exploitation of resources and other human impacts on the environment;
- demonstrate field-based practical and research skills, including observation, recording, analysis and assimilation of information;
- develop additional skills such as teamworking, decision making, communication (written, poster and oral), problem solving, self-management, initiative, working effectively under tight deadlines, interpersonal and professional relationships.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
• recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
• analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
• collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
• applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
• planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
• collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
• undertaking field and laboratory 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;
• receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical);
• communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
• appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory;
• preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;
• solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
• 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;
• developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills);
• developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places moderate emphasis on:
• referencing work in an appropriate manner.

The module places some emphasis on:
• evaluating performance as an individual and a team member.

Syllabus

Advanced aspects of physical and chemical assessment of the environment using real case studies within the framework of integrated atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere contexts.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Fieldwork	10	6.00	60.00
Lecture	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			37.00
Total Contact hours			63.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Preparatory reading in advance of the field course and follow up reading on return to Leeds. 37 hours in total.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student monitoring takes place continuously throughout the field trip, with informal feedback to students on their progress. Some parts of the work (e.g. oral presentations) are marked during the course so students get immediate feedback on their achievement during the field course.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Fieldwork	Fieldwork	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 17/05/2017

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