Module DXX-2015:
Geographical Fieldwork and Research Skills

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Graham Bird

Overall aims and purpose

This module is a week long, UK-based field course, which may contain residential field work. Students will undertake a series of field visits, which explore issues of man's exploitation of the environment, with particular reference to earth resources and other geographical themes. The module aims to provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical and technical methods to the field environment, and to appreciate how natural and socio-economic processes that might be regarded as 'general' are conditioned by the social and environmental character of a specific place. Inherent within the module, students will be required to undertake field study skills in order to make observations and collect quantitative and qualitative data.

Course content

The field course involves field visits and student-led research activities focused on a range of geographical themes. The activities will focus on developing subject knowledge and also transferable field and research skills. The course will involve summatively and formatively assessed group work as well as individually-authored assessment.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Grade D- to D+ The student displays a basic understanding of the principles and basic knowledge of subject. Relevant information is presented to a basic depth. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not well developed.

good

Grade B- to B+ The student displays sound knowledge of subject, and an ability to use both field observation and published information to produce perceptive and well-structured arguments. Clear presentation of information with some critical thinking.

excellent

Grade A- and above The student demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of subject and clear ability to pull together various elements of the course material. Evidence of background reading. There are no major areas omitted and the student demonstrates a strong ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant information. A clear, concise, descriptive style of presentation in the work presented.

C- to C+

Grade C- to C+ The student displays an adequate understanding of the principles and basic knowledge of subject. Relevant information is accurately presented but there may be omissions and/or a lack of de3pth in certain areas. Links between theory and practice are made, however in general there is a lack of criticality in the work presented.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a critical and analytical understanding of geographical processes occurring in human and physical environments.

  2. A practical understanding of field-based research methods in human and physical geography.

  3. Be able to exemplify and assess the impacts of earth resource exploitation on physical and social environments.

  4. Appreciate the reciprocal relationships between natural and human environments.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Task 1 10.00
Task 2 10.00
Task 3 10.00
Group Presentation 10.00
Project write-up 60.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Seminar

1*4 hour presentation session

 4
Private study

Private and guided self-study

 153
Fieldwork

5*8 hour days of fieldwork (involving overnight stays away from Bangor)

 40
Lecture

12 hour and 11 hour lectures

 3

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Prepare effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
  • Engagement with current subject developments and their application.
  • Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Resources

Resource implications for students

For residential fieldwork, the School will pay for bed and breakfast accommodation with students being responsible for purchasing/providing other meals as required.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-2015.html

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: