ESC-20029 - Practical Physical Geography
Coordinator: Antonia C Law Tel: +44 1782 7 34306
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No specific entry requirements


Barred Combinations

Environment Science

Description for 2022/23

This module provides an introduction to a variety of specialist field, laboratory and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to physical geography. Additionally, this module will give students experience of the types of techniques and processes involved in research and research design. Training and first-hand experience is provided through a range of field and lab based practical classes, which are supplemented by directed reading that explore effective methods for the analysis and presentation of data and demonstrate the wider application of the techniques used. The techniques used in this module are applicable to a number of career pathways.

Aims
To provide training and first-hand experience in a variety of essential physical geography field and laboratory practical skills. To build upon concepts and techniques introduced in the level I practical programme and provide a portfolio of skills applicable to level III independent research projects.
To highlight the research applications and careers relevance of these techniques through in-class discussion and the directed reading of journal literature.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20029/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

use a range of specialist geographical techniques (field, laboratory and computer-based) to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data: 1,2
work effectively as part of a team to complete a group exercise within a specified time period: 1
reflect upon and evaluate the quality of geographical data and determine the most effective techniques for the collection, analysis and presentation of this data: 1,2
apply these techniques in a problem-solving context and present the key findings within a formal written report: 1

Study hours

Practical classes 36 hours
Practical class orientaation session 12 hours
Practical class preparation 12 hours
Preparation and completion of EBS report 45 hours
Preparation and completion of GIS project 25 hours
Independent research and wider reading 20 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Report weighted 65%
Environmental Impact Assessment
An industry standard, authentic Group Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Students will work in small groups to produce a group report which collates, analyses and presents the data collected in the field and in the lab during the module.

2: Project weighted 35%
GIS project
Completion of an individually-assessed GIS project relating to a series of exercises run in the practical sessions