CSMM423 - Fourth Year Field Class (2023)

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MODULE TITLEFourth Year Field Class CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM423 MODULE CONVENERDr James Hickey (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 0 1.5
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 5
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module is an advanced research-led field-based course that provides an opportunity to investigate in-depth an area of geology. The destination varies but will typically be Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal or Tenerife. Depending on the location, you may focus on: (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings (v) tectonic landscape evolution, and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences. You will examine how tectonic, climatic and geological processes interact, how they have influenced and continue to influence environment and society, and encounter examples of how such processes are recorded for research and monitoring purposes.                                                                                                                                        

Pre-requisites for this module are Summer Vacation Project (CSM3379) and Geology Overseas Field Class (CSM3068). There are no co-requisites. This module is not suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to develop the independent field-based research skills of the student so they are comfortable planning and producing original field-based work. The goals that underpin this overall aim and the field course in general relate to the possible themes that will be explored, i.e., (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings, (v) tectonic landscape evolution, and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences.

The module aims to equip the student with vital communication and interpersonal skills that will be essential for a successful career in academia or industry. The fieldwork and following coursework will enable the student to exercise substantial autonomy and initiative at a professional level in further preparation for future careers.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Interpret geological field-based data and critically infer the associated emplacement/depositional framework;
2 Critically evaluate and synthesize results using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques;
3 Integrate field-based data from different localities in order to interpret geological landscape evolution and its possible impact on the global Earth system.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4 Apply learning from independent study to new geological field areas;
5 Evaluate how different aspects of geoscience fit together and impact one another.
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6 Independently formulate working hypotheses based on observations and current knowledge;
7 Design methodologies and approaches for which working hypotheses can be tested;
8 Plan and execute projects within a defined timescale and produce a report on the outcomes of the work;
9 Pitch a project idea and incorporate feedback into its final design effectively;
10 Construct technical reports using appropriate format and correct background literature and referencing.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The possible topics covered include: (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings, (v) tectonic landscape evolution, and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences.

There will be designated time for students to develop their independent research ideas and collect preliminary data (where applicable) in preparation for their individual field-based research project assessment(s)

Content for the technical report will be covered during the field class and backed up with independent student study prior to, and after, the field course.

FORMATIVE FEEDBACK:

We will be working in a small group, with ongoing discussion of the field sites throughout the course. Feedback for notebook keeping and individual research projects will be available through personal discussion with the group leaders. Time will be set aside for the personal research projects, during this time there may not always be a staff member at hand.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 80.00 Guided Independent Study 70.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 80 Fieldwork
Guided Independent Study 70 Pre-Fieldwork Preparation and Post-Fieldwork Coursework

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not Applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

 

Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
ELE Quiz 10 35 questions (max.) 1-5 Automated Feedback
Presentation 35 15 minutes 1-10 Written and Verbal
Technical Report 55 6 pages max. + references 1-10 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative Assessment Additional Assessment As above August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Research papers relevant to the geological area that will be visited (listed on ELE).

Web based and Electronic Resources:

See ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Other Resources:

Background material from previous modules.

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM3379, CSM3068
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 06 July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 13 March 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Fieldwork; Research; Geohazards; Volcanology; Geophysics; Tectonics; Natural Hazards; Geology; Geotechnics; Applied Geology; Engineering Geology