Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

Students on this module need to be registered for Introduction to Physical Geography which provides the essential subject knowledge for this module.

Aims

Fieldwork is an essential part of Physical Geography, which allows us to answer questions about the nature, evolution and management of the physical environment. You will be introduced to Physical Geography fieldwork by using a range of techniques to investigate the processes that have shaped the Physical landscape in the UK. Before the field trip, the introductory lecture and two practical sessions will familiarise you with the field area and key techniques you will be using in the field.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is delivered via:
•       An introductory lecture and two practical classes, which will introduce you to the physical geography of the field trip site and the processes that have shaped it. The practicals will familiarise you with your study site and introduce you to key techniques, prior to the fieldwork. These sessions will also allow you to meet your project groups prior to the field trip. There will be two drop-in sessions after the field trip, for any questions relating to the fieldwork report.
•       The residential field trip will enable you to learn key techniques used in physical geography fieldwork, which you can apply in later courses and/or your dissertation. The trip will provide you with experience of working outdoors and in the field, and teach you how to approach fieldwork safely and effectively. It will afford you an overview of the geomorphology and key environmental processes operating in the study area.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• Knowledge of and ability to select appropriate field techniques addressing a range of Physical Geography research problems.
• Capacity to work safely and effectively in the field.
• A basic understanding of the relationship between geomorphological processes and the resulting landscape forms.
• Ability to infer both past and current environmental changes by investigation of a range of landforms and sedimentary sequences.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       Select and justify appropriate field techniques for a given purpose.
•       Use appropriate field surveying and mapping techniques.
•       Observe and record landform and sedimentary sequences.
•       Work in a group and determine priorities for investigation and delegation of tasks.
•       Give group presentations.
•       Present conclusions based on direct field observations in report form.
•       Write a field notebook.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture provides introductory material to the module, including background tot he field trip location and information on the trip logistics.
Practicals provide both an introduction to and engagement with a range of essential Physical Geography techniques.
Fieldwork will introduce the students to a range of environments practicing observation, note taking and interpretative skills. It will also provide first-hand experience of data collection and analysis using a variety of field techniques. The field trip is residential.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The computer aided assessment encourages the students to complete essential reading prior to the field trip. It will test knowledge of the geomorphological history of the study area, which the students will need in order to understand and contextualize the tasks carried out during the field course.

The individual field report examines student ability to work-up field data in combination with appropriate. Inclusion of the field note books with the report submission encourages student engagement in the essential process of making field notes including the role of independent observation.

General Notes

N/A