Study information

International Field Class - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEInternational Field Class CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM3416 MODULE CONVENERProf Jens C. Andersen (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 1.5 3.5
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module provides an opportunity to examine an outstanding area of geology famous for its tectonic, volcanic, sedimentological and/or geological evolution. The destination varies but will typically be Spain, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Tenerife. Depending on the location, you may learn about: (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, integrating knowledge from across the modules covered during your course. 
 
To participate in this module, you need to have studied year 1 and 2 of BSc/MGeol/MSci Geology, Resource and Exploration Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics (or equivalent). 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 an integrated approach to the study of geology in field-based settings. This module brings together subject areas that have been taught during the first, second and third year of the study program. We will investigate the interaction of tectonic, geological and climatic processes, and how these sculpt the world around us. The module aims to develop communication and interpersonal skills that will be essential for a successful future career.

 

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. Describe and interpret geological field-based data in the context of regional geological and tectonic history, landscape evolution and possible impact on the global Earth system.
2. Critically evaluate and synthesize results using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. Collect, synthesize, and critically evaluate observations in an interdisciplinary framework and to present results in a professional format.
4. Gain an appreciation of how different branches of the geosciences fit together.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Develop self- and time-management skills in individual and group working situations
6. Produce professional technical reports using the proper format, 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. 

Students will:

  1. Conduct a literature study in preparation for a site investigation.
  2. Make detailed observations/interpretations of a wide variety of geological (and other) features.
  3. Produce annotated maps/figures at key localities which help you to describe, interpret and synthesise the history of depositional/tectonic/volcanic/hydrothermal/climatic processes in the area.

We will be working in a small group(s) with ongoing discussion of the field sites throughout the course. Feedback for notebook keeping and maps will be available through personal discussion with the group leaders. Time will be set aside for the assessments, 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 Guided Independent Study 70 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 80 Field days (or equivalent)
Guided Independent Study 70 Independent study prior to field activities, report writing after field activities.
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
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 Max. 25 questions 1-6 Automated
Field-based assessment 50 Location specific exercise 1-6 Written and verbal
Post-trip assessment 40 Location specific exercise 1-6 Written and verbal
         
         

 

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
ELE Quiz ELE Quiz (Max. 25 questions, 10%) 1-6 Referral/deferral period
Field-based assessment Field-based assessment (Location specific exercise, 50%) 1-6 Referral/deferral period
Post-trip assessment Post-trip assessment (Location specific exercise, 40%) 1-6 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment will follow the assessment style as the field course. Given that no further field activities can be undertaken, students may be given desk-based alternatives as appropriate.

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:

  • Scientific papers relevant to the field area.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

  • ELE

Other Resources:

  • None

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 None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 11th March 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 12th March 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Geology; Petrology; Mineral Deposits; Contaminated Land; Field Studies

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.