GV3FC-Geography and Environmental Science Field Class

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Nicholas Branch
Email: n.p.branch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a field-based module to enhance training and experience of undertaking in situ problem-based research, involving data collection, analysis and interpretation. The field class is based on thei sland of Crete (Greece), situated in the southern Aegean Sea. Crete has highly variable landscapes and environments shaped by human and physical processes and events over many millennia. The field class permits exploration of these features, including urban ethnography and cultural identity,heritage management, tourism, agricultural soil health, agricultural economics, Mediterraneanecology, geology and geomorphology, and seismicity and tsunami. The field class is designed to enable students to obtain a fully integrated understanding of Mediterranean society, economy and the environment, and to specialise in aspects of human or physical geography, or environmental science.

Please note that the destination may be subject change if circumstances do not allow us to travel tothe region.    

Aims:

The module aims to train students in a range of problem-based field skills using the island of Crete as a case study. This will enhance their knowledge and understanding of field investigation methods used in human and physical geography, and environmental science, with a strong emphasis on authentic, ‘real world’ issues that affect society, the economy and the environment. The students will gain further experience of applying their theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained during the degree course by collecting, analysing, interpreting and discussing data framed by a range of geographical and environmental issues. This will develop their research abilities and employability skills, which will be key to their career development and achieving their personal goals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Themed around ‘society, economy and the environment’, by the end of the field class module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Collect, organise and analyse a range of types of data including their own observations.


• Describe and explain the main geology and geomorphological processes, especially in relation to tectonism, of Crete.


• Describe and explain the main characteristics of Cretan society and culture through the study of urban geography, heritage and tourism.


• Apply appropriate techniques to the study of ecology and biodiversity in relation to the geomorphology, soils and vegetation.


• Evaluate the historical and sedimentological data for the region with respect to geohazards, especially seismicity and tsunami, and the impact upon human populations.


• Apply appropriate methods to the study of agricultural soil health, and evaluate the impor tance of the agricultural economy with respect to the Cretan and Greek economy.


• Competently use maps and other navigational aids in the field.


• Recognise and demonstrate the importance of keeping a field notebook.


• Demonstrate project planning and team working skills through group activities. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop additional key skills that are important for employability in the following areas:

• Awareness of key data sources relating to environmental, economic and societal issues.


• Awareness of key institutions (private and public sector) and individuals having governance over the environment, economy and society.


• Enhancement of communication skills through oral presentations and written reporting, connecting with people and working as a team.


• Enhancement of problem solving skills, including methodological development, by addressing key environmental, economic and societal issues.


• Development of organisational skills by completing multiple tasks to specific deadlines.

Outline content:

The field class will involve dividing the students into small, supervised groups. Day 1 will involve orientation with a focus on the geology and geomorphology of the north coast of Crete, followed by an exercise on urban ethnography to develop understanding of Cretan culture and society, and aspects of the economy. Each subsequent day will focus on a specific theme including agricultural soil health and the agricultural economy, ecology and biodiversity, heritage management and geohazards. Th e evenings will involve data analysis, and the final day will be a group-based project on strategic responses (economic, environmental and social) to a major seismic event.

Global context:

The field class will be based residentially on Crete (Greece) and will offer cultural and societal experiences outside of the UK. The problem-based approach around the theme of society, economy and the environment will allow students to understand the challenges, opportunities and solutions of life from a different geographical perspective. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Prior to departure, the students will attend 3 seminars designed to contextualise the field class tasks and activities. The seminars will use a virtual field class created in ArcGIS Story Maps permitting the students to explore the island of Crete and conduct a series of short exercises on cultural identity, and agriculture and economy. The field class component comprises 7 days of work in the field including travel time to and from Crete. Students are required to complete field records, and each evening there will be a short briefing to review and discuss the day’s work, and to introduce the following day’s programme as well as giving time to work up data collected. Prior to departure, the students will attend preparatory sessions and safety briefings. Upon return, the students will also attend 2 x tutorials to prepare them for writing their report. Each day of the field class will involve a short introduction to the tasks and activities, with a focus on the problem-bas ed learning exercises, including a demonstration of field equipment. The small student groups will be required to work as a team, demonstrating leadership and organisation, to address the problem and gather the necessary data using a range of methods e.g. participatory action research, scientific analysis using appropriate instrumentation, observation and identification using field guides. The students will be expected to collate, analyse and interpret the data collected, and discuss the finding s in an open forum including responding to questions.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		3
Tutorials			2
Fieldwork			84
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		10
Preparation for tutorials			5
Preparation for presentations			5
Preparation of practical report			80
Reflection			1
Total hours by term	0	23	177
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A team-based presentation during the field class (20%).

A 3000 word research report detailing the problem based learning from the field class utilising data collected in the field notebook (80%).

Formative assessment methods:

Exercises using the virtual field class to Crete in ArcGIS Story Maps. These exercises will be covered during the pre-departure seminars.

Individual short presentations during the fieldwork on case study topics as well as guest seminars in Crete to inform the final report.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of assignments. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 14 December 2021