ESC-30039 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Not applicable.

Description for 2025/26

This 15 credit module builds upon subject-specific and practical skills that have been developed in previous years of the course to carry out an independent field-based mapping project within an area of Geology. The module will include project formulation, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation and report production, and will normally be underpinned by approximately 15 days of geological fieldwork carried out in the summer vacation before the start of the final year. The completion of this module provides students with experience of a number of subject specific and general skills that are essential for geoscience employment or academic research.

This module aims to:
- provide a detailed understanding of field aspects of geology
- evaluate geological features and processes in a field context.
- demonstrate the ability to take effective notes in the field and compile geological maps and standard diagrams to convey geological data.
- develop skills in presentations in the form of a dissertation.
- demonstrate the use of geographical information system and remote sensing techniques in visualising and analysing geoscience data.
- develop student's communication, time-management and self-management skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

select and apply appropriate advanced geological mapping techniques that are at the forefront of the discipline: 1,2,3
use transferable skills by communicating effectively in writing, cartography and diagram preparation, use computing and information technology (e.g. GIS), manage resources and time, work to a deadline, and work independently showing critical enquiry: 2
critically analyse geoscience information; synthesise and evaluate information and data from a variety of sources, as well as establish and discern connections; demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought: 1,3
use practical skills in making effective field notes to; make a geological map; identify rocks, minerals, fossils and geological structures; interpret an environment of deposition; synthesize a geological history from field relationships: 1,2,3

Study hours

Tutorials 25 hours
Supervision meetings 5 hrs
Fieldwork/data acquisition and report preparation 120 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment