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Catchment to Coast Field Course (Northern Spain)

Module description

From the snow-capped Cantabrian Mountains to the dynamic Cantabrian Sea, this field course explores the fascinating geographical diversity of this part of Northern Spain. With its varied geology, hydrology, ecology and management, the region serves as an exceptional natural classroom. Much of the study area is within the Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa, Spain’s oldest national park. This field course will provide you with an opportunity to develop and apply your research skills in this awe-inspiring landscape.

The module will consist of two parts:

• Term 2 preparation in Exeter: this involves a mix of lectures, group working and self-directed study that will provide you with the necessary background information to successfully undertake the field class.
• Term 3 international fieldtrip: the residential part of the module comprises staff-led activities, student-led group activities and individual reflection.

The trip will involve walking up to several kilometres each day over uneven ground, so a minimum level of fitness is required. The weather can be highly variable so suitable clothing and footwear is required.

Please note that in the event of the field course not running (due to circumstances that compromise the feasibility of the trip), you will still be able to complete the module through the provision of an alternative learning experience.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module is designed to allow you to develop conceptual and practical understanding of key research themes and practices in physical geography. The learning content of this module aims to:

• Provide you with an opportunity to gain knowledge through lecture-based activities and apply it during field-based geographical study.
• To support the development of your problem-solving skills through quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Develop and extend your awareness of the importance of taught, learnt and observational skills, in strengthening employability potential.
• Develop transferable skills, including effective communication, leadership, group co-ordination, time management and presentation skills.
• Enable you to experience ‘slow travel’ by ferry as a means of a) reducing your carbon emissions for field work and b) reflecting on the value of incorporating your journey into the learning process.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Articulate and evaluate key debates, concepts and approaches for selected physical geography themes
• 2. Design, execute, analyse and report on a piece of research for selected physical geography theme

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Apply geographical concepts and skills in place-based settings
• 4. Understand reciprocal relationships between physical and human environments

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Communicate complex ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently
• 6. Undertake independent as well as group study to achieve objectives through consistent, proficient and sustained attainment

Syllabus plan

The syllabus will be delivered in a series of preparatory lectures and workshop and a number of site visits and activities in the field. In the field, you will have time to collect independent group data for your report. Indicative topics covered by this module include:

• Mountain to coastal environments
• Catchment hydrology and geomorphology
• Ecology and land management
• Field based geographical skills

Details of specific locations, activities, and content of the fieldtrips will be issued during term 2.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Reading lists appropriate to each fieldtrip will be issued during the previous term.

Key words search

Field Course, Spain