Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ADVANCED GEOLOGY PROJECT (F603)
Code ENVS407
Coordinator Professor J Wheeler
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Johnwh@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 60

Aims

To train students, via personal practice under academic supervision, in the execution and presentation of research level geoscience, including independent field work to produce a geological map.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Ability to describe the geology of an area based on independent geological mapping

(LO2) Leading-edge knowledge of some areas of Geosciences.

(LO3) Expertise in use of laboratory equipment and computing systems.

(LO4) Delivery of good quality, ethical scientific practice in the completion of a research level project.

(LO5) Ability to use different modes of scientific communication (journal manuscript, conference-style oral presentation, poster)


Syllabus

 

The content is entirely dependent on the specific project undertaken.
All students are expected to produce: a set of field data including a geological map based on 30 days independent fieldwork, a literature review paper relevant to each individual project; one talk to communicate field and laboratory-based research undertaken to a mixed audience of UGs, PGTs, Postdocs and Academic staff; the final dissertation in manuscript format.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This 60 credit module is specifically designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate independent research skills required by QAA benchmarks and Geological Society of London Accreditation. Students will start the module in the summer following their year in North America by undertaking 30 days of independent fieldwork, to include at least 18 days of independent mapping involving production of a geological map, collection of primary data in a field notebook and development of geological interpretation of the area. On returning to the University, students will continue developing their geological interpretation of the area, but will also embark on a laboratory-based Masters level research project dealing with some aspect of the field area they have studied. Support is given through a small number of lectures, but most importantly by weekly meetings with a research supervisor. Assessment is spread across the year. In Semester 1, students will give a 15-minute research talk on th e main outcomes of their fieldwork and will complete a “Final Map” poster comprising a map, cross sections, GVS and key for their independent field area. They will also complete a literature review targeted at the laboratory side of the overall project. In Semester 2, students will give another research-level talk, but this time on the outcomes of their laboratory based studies, and complete a 12,000 word manuscript combining their field and laboratory-based studies.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       10

  4

24

38
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 562
TOTAL HOURS 600

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Final Project Dissertation as a manuscript to include outcomes of the field and laboratory research.  10000-12000 words    50       
Online conference-style oral presentation based on the research undertaken. Reassessment is generally not available unless there are documented exceptional circumstances that compromise a student's pr  20 minutes    15       
Literature Review written in the style of (publishable) review paper .  5000-7000 words    25       
A3 Poster Assesses ability to produce a final geological map from field map and data.  A3 Poster    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.