Modiwl ENS-2101:
Geog F/work & Research Skills
Geographical Fieldwork and Research Skills 2025-26
ENS-2101
2025-26
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Graham Bird
Overview
You will explore issues of human exploitation of the environment through a series of field visits and student-led research activities. The module is one week long, based in the UK. The activities undertaken will focus on developing subject knowledge and transferable field and research skills.
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 Strategy
-threshold -Grade D- (42%) to D+ (48%): 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.
-Grade C- (52%) to C+ (58%): 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 depth in certain areas. Links between theory and practice are made, however in general there is a lack of criticality in the work presented.
-good -Grade B- (62%) to B+ (68%): 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- (74%) 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.
Learning Outcomes
- Accurately explain geographical processes occurring in human and physical environments.
- Accurately present information in written and verbal form.
- Accurately record observations and information gathered during fieldwork.
- Utilize appropriate methods to gather and analyse data to address a research question.
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Group Presentation 50% of the mark is for the student's individual contribution and 50% of the mark for the overall quality of the group submission.
Weighting
15%
Assessment method
Logbook Or Portfolio
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Field Notebook
Weighting
25%
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Research Project Report
Weighting
60%