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 2023-24 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

To enable students to apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations by solving a Geoscience research question.
To allow students to collect, analyse and synthesise data and professionally communicate their findings.

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
 

Project titles are chosen from a list provided by staff to cover a range of Geoscience topics and areas.

For field-based projects, at least 21 days of field data collection should be undertaken in the summer before Year 3.

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 or conference style) 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. Supervision of data collection phase will depend on type of project chosen.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Field work will usually take place in the summer before Year 3 - a minimum of 21 days for a geological mapping project.
Notes: the number of field days meets Geol Soc accreditation requirements

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5

         135

10

 150
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 150
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
Records of project progress and data collection - e.g. field / lab notebooks / journal of project progress, field slips, logs, stereonets, cross sections, computer code etc. Standard UoL penalty ap  0    20       
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       
A report summarising independent project work. Guide length around 8,000 words. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessme  0    60       
A3 poster (e.g. final map poster or conference style poster)  0    10       

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