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Field Trip Environmental Science - ENV00078M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Roland Gehrels
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

This module takes the form of a residential field course in the western Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay. Students will develop an understanding of the palaeoenvironmental history of the study areas and its wider significance to Physical Geography and Environmental Science.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • equip students with an understanding of the palaeoenvironmental history of the fieldwork locations;
  • provide practice at an advanced level in describing, interpreting and communicating geological, geomorphological and (palaeo)environmental data, using a range of field data collection techniques;
  • develop independence in designing and carrying out field investigations;
  • develop advanced skills to record, interpret and present data.
  • practise deductive scientific methods (i.e. hypothesis testing).

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

  • analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate a range of field data from different locations leading towards solutions of field problems with limited guidance;
  • select and confidently apply appropriate knowledge and field methodologies in identifying and solving scientific fieldwork objectives;
  • relate the results of their own fieldwork analyses to prior published work and evaluate the wider significance of these results;
  • communicate effectively field data and analyses in an appropriate scientific manner in written format.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Field and lab report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students will write a 2000-word report, assessing the usefulness of foraminifera as indicators of palaeo-environmental (sea-level) change in the Leven Estuary (Morecambe Bay). Students will collect surface samples from a salt marsh, process these in the laboratory to extract foraminifera, and, in their report, assess quantitatively the relationship between foraminiferal populations, salt-marsh vegetation, and environmental variables (elevation, pH, salinity).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Field and lab report		 N/A 100

Module feedback

There is ample time for informal feedback during the fieldtrip and practical sessions. Written feedback will be provided on the coursework.

Indicative reading

Material to support the course will be provided via a dedicated online site. An important text is:  Waltham, T. and Lowe, D. (ed.) 2013. Caves and Karst of the Yorkshire Dales. British Cave Research Association. Volume 1. Chapters on: Glaciation and Quaternary evolution (W. Mitchell), Holocene Environments (M. Atherden).


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.