Newcastle University

Aims

1. To give the student advanced first-hand experience of active geomorphological processes within a dynamic environment.

2. To build on the experience of GEO2048 (Field & Lab Techniques in Physical Geography) and other Stage 2 modules by developing advanced skills in the observation, recording and interpertation of geomorphological processes. To further extend and enhance understanding of land-forming processes and landform evolution.

3. To provide a broader context for palaeoenvironmental and applied physical geography modules available in the wider FH82 and F800 curriculum.

4. To allow the student to develop, more fully, the links between literature based knowledge and field - based research. This will help students to develop a realistic and critical perspective on the practicalities and limitations of field research.

Outline Of Syllabus

Staff-led field days introduce, develop and illustrate the environmental history of the study area and the key geomorphological concepts relevant to the field course

Field work provides opportunities for student led design and planning of geomorphological research as teams of 4-5 students, and to collect data

Training in fieldwork techniques and assistance in project design will be available from staff


The module will consist of a 9-day field visit to Ireland. Four preparatory lectures will introduce the background to the chosen area of geomorphology and outline the structure of the field visit. Four days will be staff-led introducing aspects of geomorphological processes within the study areas. Four days will be devoted to group project activity, designed and enacted by small student groups. A final day will be devoted to student reparation of project oral presentations. Data collected on the fieldtrip will then form the basis of individual project write-ups.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures and staff-led field days introduce, develop and illustrate the environmental history of the study area and the key geomorphological concepts relevant to the field course.
2. Fieldwork provides opportunities for student-led design and planning of geomorphological research as teams of 3-4 students and to collect data. Training in fieldwork techniques and assistance in project design will be available from staff.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

1. Coursework provides an opportunity to (i) synthesize, interpret and critically evaluate a wide range of literature and primary and secondary data concerning geomorphological processes and environmental change in the study area and (ii) demonstrate the capacity to communicate concisely and effectively in writing and through graphical presentations and to report scientific research in an appropriate manner.

2. Field presentations provide an opportunity, within the context of group exercises, to present the initial results of fieldwork, the geomorphological context of the projects and to reflect on the developments and execution of small- scale research projects conducted in unfamiliar surroundings.