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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2012 The Dynamic Environment of the UK
10 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Dr Paul Morris
Email: p.morris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Module replaces
All L2 BSC fieldtrips (Alp, Mallorca, Algarve)This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The emphasis of this module is on field research including training in field techniques and the formulation of hypotheses for research projects. The module will run over a couple of weeks at the end of semester 2. The module is mainly assessed on work done in the field. The fieldwork will explore different areas around the UK. Subjects covered may include water quality and fluvial geomorphology, water resource management, rock slope stability, beach hydrology, vegetation and soil, geology, national park management, GIS and remote sensing. There will be a few days of staff led field days developing skills and introducing different environments. These skills will then be put into practice by working in a small group on a project chosen by the group. The group will plan their research, collect field measurements, analyse and interpret them, and write a report on the results and present these.Objectives
On completion of this module students should have acquired:1. an understanding of how to plan, collect, analyse and interpret field measurements of environmental phenomena for research in physical geography;
2. knowledge of the geology, landscapes and climates represented in the study areas, their impacts on (and interactions with) ecology, geochemistry, glaciological and geomorphological processes, and relevance to local issues of resources and conservation;
3. an understanding of how to carry out a project which fulfils a set of aims and objectives, and uses statistical and/or modelling methods learned in other modules.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should:
1. have developed an appreciation of the geology, soils, geomorphology, glaciology, ecology, climate, geochemistry and resources in a region characterised by distinctive climatic, geological and ecological gradients;
2. be able to plan research projects involving field measurements, analysis and interpretation;
3. have applied their theoretical knowledge and skills in physical geography and statistical analysis and be able to use these effectively for independent research.
Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in planning, taking, analysing and interpreting field measurements for solving research problems in physical geography;
2. Be able to apply statistical and other methods to solving problems;
3. Be able to work together in small groups, negotiate and manage themselves to become an effective team focused on achieving specific goals with the resources and time available;
4. Be able to keep a record of where they have been, what they have done, what they have seen, and how this relates to the theories and methods which they have learned about in lectures, and appreciate the need to relate theory to field observations in order to develop a sound understanding of the landscape, its history, and the events and processes which shape it.
Syllabus
Field techniques:
1. Geomorphology (e.g. soil and slope processes, topographic survey)
2. Ecology (e.g. vegetation survey, plant identification, measuring forest dynamics and biomass)
3. Geochemistry (e.g. sampling, measurement, implications for ecology and environmental processes)
B. Example topics may include:
1. Geomorphology (e.g. landforms of erosion and deposition)
3. Vegetation processes (vegetation biomass and productivity, tree ring reconstructions)
3. Soil processes (e.g., soil respiration, soil -vegetation interactions)
4. Geochemistry (e.g. influence on water geochemistry on ecology)
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 40 | 1.00 | 40.00 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Private study hours | 59.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Feedback in the field, one to one and small group discussions.- Comments on fieldnote books
- Oral and written feedback on group presentation.
- Written feedback on group report
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Group Project | Report of fieldwork project (2500 words) | 50.00 |
| Presentation | Verbal presentation (15 minutes) | 25.00 |
| Practical | Field notebook | 25.00 |
| 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 moduleLast updated: 05/08/2020 17:04:14
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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