GV2FCXNU-Human and Physical Geography Field Class

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Semesters in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites: GV1IPGNU Introducing Physical Geography
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Field investigations are a fundamental part of human and physical geography. The field class is designed to introduce students to an integrated approach to field research drawing upon a range of methods and equipment for data gathering. Students will gain experience of analysing and presenting data and a number of themes will be explored.

Aims:

The field class is designed to introduce students to the techniques and equipment required by human and physical geographers in the field.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The main purpose for students is to establish perceptions of geographical elements and phenomena, improve their ability of observation, analytical techniques and summarizing skills. The course contains the following objectives:

• To analyze and grasp the formation, characteristics, distribution regularity, interrelationship, development and change of the main geographic themes such as population, economics, biogeography and vegetation, meteorology, soils and geology.


• To understand and analyze occurrence process and spatial and temporal distribution of geographical phenomena over time within regional conditions.


• Discuss the law of interaction and changes between human activities and natural environment, discuss how the relationship between them can be coordinated, and develop harmoniously.


• Learn the methods of field investigation and how to analyse the data, and write investigation reports.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also understand the field description methods involved in human geography; understand the working principles and operation methods behind meteorological observation; understand the structure and function of water conservancy facilities; understand the production of soil profiles; understand living habits and utilization value of common plants; understand the law of biological evolution from ancient to present; understand some typical minerals, rocks or gemstones and examine some of the frontier issues of geography.

Outline content:

• Types of common terrestrial plants and how to identify them;


• Soil types and their distributions;


• Understand and describe common minerals and rocks;


• Examine the formation and evolution of organisms;


• Observation of meteorological parameters and meteorological information transmission;


• Hydrological observation and water conservancy facilities;


• The interaction and overall performance of mountain, water, forest, field, lake, grass, village and other elements;


• Urban development and overall planning;


• Historic blocks, garden art, cultural heritage and tourism development.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lab, geological museum, weather station, and hydrological station visiting and fieldwork.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Practicals classes and workshops
Fieldwork
External visits
Guided independent study:
Other
Total hours by term	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Practical skills assessment	70

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will complete an essay after the sites visiting and field work.

Formative assessment methods:

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 an essay in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 22 September 2022