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 Prof PM Burgess
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Peter.Burgess@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

For students to complete an independent field project involving creation of:

a geological and/or geomorphological map; 

field (and if appropriate, laboratory) notebook;

other field data (e.g. cross sections, logs, stereonets, river data, glacial data);

 a final dissertation together with a final poster (often but not always a map) constructed from the field data.


Learning Outcomes

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

Ability to interpret the data related to that area to create a model for the evolution of the area

Ability to synthesise the geological and/or geomorphological history of that area, referring to (but not relying upon) previous literature

Ability to report on the project in a presentation

Ability to report on the project in a written dissertation


Syllabus

There are three versions of content in the summer preceding Year 3
1. Geology students MUST undertake 35 working days in the field and complete a geological  investigation of an area which includes the making of a geological map and at least one cross section of a region (the area covered depends upon the complexity). They will collect sufficient data to write a report that demonstrates understanding of the chosen area from their own independent observations.
2. GPG students MAY undertake 35 working days in the field an d complete a geological  investigation of an area which includes the making of a geological map and and at least one cross section and/or a geomorphological map (the area covered depends upon the complexity). They will collect sufficient data to write a report that demonstrates understanding of the chosen area from their own independent observations. Field areas will be selected that have scientific problems appropriate to the GPG degree programmes (e.g. sediment dominated).
3. GPG students MAY instead do a minimum of 20 days in the field, as above, followed by a maximum of 15 days in laboratory study in the Summer vacation preceding Year 3. 

All students will: a
rrange a suitable time for their supervisor to visit in the field and/or laboratory, and meet with their supervisor who will provide guidance in the writing up process.



Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Briefing on various aspects of project skills

Lectures before fieldwork and before write up

Tutorial - Supervisors will meet students individually or in small groups. A maximum of 9 contact hours will be provided through the 12 week term

Field Work - Mainly independent but supervisor will provide a half day per student (which typically means a day or more supervising a group of students in nearby areas)

Field supervision in independent field area


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 4
Briefing on various aspects of project skills
  9
Supervisors will meet students individually or in small groups. A maximum of 9 contact hours will be provided through the 12 week term
  4
Mainly independent but supervisor will provide a half day per student (which typically means a day or more supervising a group of students in nearby areas)
  17
Timetable (if known) Lectures before fieldwork and before write up
 
      Field supervision in independent field area
 
   
Private Study 283
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
Coursework  15 minutes  One day in week 6 for entire c  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  A talk given to a group of peers and lecturers in Week 6 
Coursework  10,000 words  First semester, submit week 12  90  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  A report including an A3 poster summarising independent work Notes (applying to all assessments) (1) Field/Laboratory data (45%); (2) Talk given in semester after fieldwork (10%) (3) Dissertation (45%) It is expected that the students' submitted work should be based on their own field observations and data. In cases where it is not clear what information the student has derived from the literature and what data have been collected/interpreted by the student, the assessors may interview the candidate to ascertain the relative contributions from their own data or the literature. Final year examinations/assessments may be re-sat for failed modules at the next ordinary sitting, normally in the following academic year, except in the case of students with accepted Extenuating Circumstances for whom an August/September attempt is arranged, on the basis as detailed in the Code of Practice on Assessment Appendix I Section 3: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/media/livacuk/tqsd/code-of-practice-on-assessment/appendix_I_2010-11.pdf 

Recommended Texts

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

These are just examples of relevant texts. The reading list should be used in the context of the particular project; for example the book on field study of igneous rocks is only relevant in an area with igneous rocks. Students should consult with project supervisors for further guidance.