GV2FCA-Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 1

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: GV1TGE Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: GV2RTS Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science
Modules excluded: GV2FCB Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 4 GV2FCC Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 2 GV2FCN Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 3
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Alison Macleod
Email: alison.macleod@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Fieldwork is a fundamental component of Environmental Science degrees. This module is designed to introduce you to key concepts in Environmental Science that allow you to undertake field research in a real-world setting using a range of contemporary methods and equipment for data gathering. Participants make a contribution towards the financial cost of the trip. The highest standards of conduct and professionalism are expected from all participants.

Aims:

The field class aims to equip you with the skills to apply important contemporary techniques and equipment required by environmental scientists to undertake research in the field and to develop transferable skills, including teamwork.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that you will be able to:

• Collect, record, organise, analyse and present a range of types of field data


• Use a variety of data gathering, recording techniques and instrumentation in the field


• Interpret field data it in the context of wider academic literature


• Evaluate the impact of natural processes and human activity on the environment and landscape


• Demonstrate good collaborative team-working skills, including planning work programme and selection of appropriate methods of working.


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


• Synthesise information collected in the field and material from the academic literature into a coherently argued report

Additional outcomes:

Fieldwork requires students to adapt and evolve to changing situations in a real-world setting and so this field class will help you develop skills in lateral thinking and require you to be resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Outline content:

The location of the field class will be chosen in order to help promote curiosity about the relationships between particular localities and the wider world. Typically, it will take the form of visits to key sites/locations, with student-centred work where emphasis is placed upon the assembly of appropriate quantitative and qualitative information and critical assessment of what this reveals. Small group or independent research work will take place throughout the week. Please note that attendance at all preparation sessions is a pre-requisite for going on the field class. Failure to attend these sessions will result in a mark of zero for the module. A variety of field research techniques will be introduced and applied in order to reinforce subject knowledge and develop transferable skills

Global context:

This module will explore processes that occur in the environment at a specific UK/European locality and set these in the context of global environmental issues.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Field class preparation in the form of lectures will take place in the Spring Term. The field class will take place in the Easter Vacation or first week of the Summer Term. During the field trip, you will participate in visits to key sites/locations and use basic field equipment for taking observations and measurements to support field research in a real-world setting. You will work in small groups and complete a team project as part of the assessment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		4
Fieldwork			40
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)			10
Wider reading (directed)			10
Preparation for presentations		26
Preparation of practical report			100
Group study tasks			10
Total hours by term	0	30	170
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment 1: Group Presentation (20%)

Assessment 2: Enhanced notebook (80%)

Formative assessment methods:

Daily class and group discussions 

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:

Re-submission of all or some of the assignments or the setting and completion of an alternative assignment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: Appropriate clothing and footwear for fieldwork at the field class destination is required. This includes warm waterproof clothing and good walking boots. These will typically cost £100 to £200.

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Students will be required to pay the costs of their own food during the field-class (lunch and dinner, breakfast in the hotel is provided and included). An estimated cost would be in the region of £150, but this could be lower or higher depending on personal choice. 

Last updated: 12 October 2022