GV1EL-Earth Lab

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Tom Sizmur
Email: t.sizmur@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Udeme Dickson
Email: u.j.dickson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts required to understand and investigate how our environment works and then introduce you to key fieldwork and laboratory skills by visiting sites, collecting samples and analysing them in the laboratory to make an assessment of the health of the environment in our local area.

Aims:

This module aims to help you to develop a fundamental understanding of the foundations of environmental chemistry and biology and the chemical and biological processes that underpin the cycling of elements and energy in the environment. It will also provide you with the skills to study these processes and related environmental quality parameters in the field and laboratory.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Discuss the periodic table and differentiate atoms, elements, and compounds


• Write and balance a chemical equation


• Comprehend the characteristics and organisation of living entities


• Explain the role played by biological organisms in the movement of elements and energy between environmental compartments


• Explain the methodological basis of sample collection from soil, water and air


• Accurately follow a laboratory method sheet to measure the key properties that underpin the quality of soil, water, air and ecosystem function


• Calibrate an analytical instrument and discuss the precision and accuracy of environmental analyses


• Record the results of laboratory analysis in a laboratory notebook and a laboratory report

Additional outcomes:

This module will provide the opportunity to develop the following transferable skills:

• Fieldwork


• Teamwork


• Laboratory procedures


• Data handling


• Written presentation

Outline content:

Lecture content

• Health and Safety


• Laboratory skills


• Atoms, elements and chemical reactions


• The building blocks of life – life’s characteristics, cells, cell materials and cellular activities


• The diversity of life – its classification and levels of organisation (individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems)


• Biogeochemical cycles


• Environmental quality


• How to present laboratory data and write a lab report

Practical content

• Field sampling


• Introduction to the Environmental Science laboratory


• Principles of analytical chemistry


• The building blocks of life


• Water quality


• Soil quality


• Air quality

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered through interactive lectures, field sampling campaigns and laboratory practical classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	3
Practicals classes and workshops	10	8
Fieldwork		12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	20
Advance preparation for classes	5
Preparation of practical report		75
Revision and preparation	60
Reflection		2
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	40
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An online test (40%) will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental chemical and biological processes that underpin the cycling of elements in the environment that are introduced in lectures and augmented with guided reading assignments. 

The laboratory report (40%) will test your ability to make measurements, interpret environmental data and discuss their precision and accuracy.

The laboratory notebook (20%) will test your ability to make full and accurate primary records of activities in the laboratory.

Formative assessment methods:

Peer assessment and feedback on laboratory notebooks.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of laboratory report.

Re-examination in the Autumn term. 

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: 22 September 2022