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 Field Project and Dissertation
Code ENVS354
Coordinator Dr CH Jeffery
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Chj@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

For students to complete an independent field project involving creation of:
field (and if appropriate, laboratory) notebook;
other field data (e.g. cross sections, logs, stereonets, river data, glacial data);  
a geological and/or geomorphological map;
a final dissertation together with a final poster (often but not always a map) constructed from the field data.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Ability to plan and execute a piece of geological research in a responsible and safe manner

(LO2) Ability to maintain a clear and accurate record of work and progress

(LO3) Ability to describe the geology and/or geomorphology of an area based on independent investigation

(LO4) Ability to critically evaluate and report upon scientific literature

(LO5) Ability to integrate range of data sources to create coherent geological synthesis

(LO6) Ability to appropriately communicate findings in a variety of formats (oral, written, graphical) to supervisor, research staff and peers

(LO7) Ability to evaluate own performance and working standards by reflection, and place work in wider scientific context

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Research management skills

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) Communication skills

(S5) IT skills

(S6) Information literacy


Syllabus

 

Students will complete 28 days of data collection (28 days in the field for F600, F601 students; at least 14 days in the field for F6F8, FF68, F641 students with the balance in the lab) during the summer before Year 3. Project titles are chosen from a list provided by staff to cover a range of Earth Science topics, all with an element of spatial analysis. Small group supervision is provided through Semester 1 to support analysis and write-up of results. Students will present their results and analysis as a short talk, (map) poster and dissertation report.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Briefing on various aspects of data presentation
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Supervision
Description: Supervisors will meet students individually or in small groups. May include feedback on oral presentation and feedback on draft dissertation chapters. A maximum of 10 contact hours will be provided through the 12 week term.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: 28 days of fieldwork for F600, F601 students. At least 14 days of fieldwork for F6F8, FF68, F641 students with the balance of 28 days made up by labwork. Field work will take place in the summer before Year 3.
Notes: the number of field days meets Geol Soc accreditation requirements


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6

        182

10

198
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 300

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
A talk given to a group of peers and lecturers. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  15    10       
Fieldwork products - notebooks, field slips, logs, stereonets, cross sections etc. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Resit opportunity allowe    30       
A report summarising independent field (and lab) work. Guide length around 8,000 words. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous     50       
A3 poster including map    10       

Recommended Texts

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