| Unit name | Independent Field Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASC30078 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lord |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Successful completion of a Year 2 Geology programme. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Producing a geological map based on the skills of observing, recording and interpreting geology in field is still an integral part of a modern geology degree and this unit is a capstone project for the geology degree. Previously you will have taken highly directed field classes and practicals, and begun to develop your independent scientific skills; this project allows you to plan, prepare for, and execute a field project. This requires undertaking reading and research before the field mapping and time management skills while in the field to make sure the project is completed.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Independent project work is an essential skill for many careers. The field project provides a means for you bring together many of practical geological skills you have learned over the previous two years together in a single project. You have prepared for this through production of a literature review of your mapping area in Year 2, and through the numerous field training courses in years 1 and 2. You will produce both a professional report concisely summarising your findings and a geological cross section based on your field observations. These components build on scientific writing, data analysis and data presentation skills that you will have acquired during the previous two years. Independent project work is also required for accreditation by the Geological Society of London.
An overview of content
The aim of this field mapping unit is for students to develop (1) further observational, recording and deductive skills in the field through mapping and the gathering of petrological, structural, and other geologically relevant data, and (2) skills in analysis, interpretation and presentation of those data in a professional style format. In preparation for fieldwork students will prepare a draft risk assessment. Comparison with the formal risk assessment will then provide insight into what should be considered when writing a risk assessment.
Students will attend a mapping training course in preparation for the project, followed by the independent mapping project in an assigned project area.
Students will produce an independent project that includes the following elements:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will grow in competence, confidence, and independence during the project. These skills are essential for a future career in the Earth Sciences and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
Through completing this unit you will be able to:
Independent work with supervised components.
Formative feedback on preliminary work.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Penalties for exceeding the specific word and/or page limit will be applied.
When assessment does not go to plan
The University's Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes outline the requirements for progression on and completion of degree programmes. Students who miss an exam and self-certify their absence may complete a supplementary assessment for an uncapped mark as if taken for the first time. Resit and supplementary exams are habitually taken during the reassessment period later in the summer. As far as is practicable and appropriate, resit and supplementary assessments will be in the same form as the original assessment but will always test the same intended learning outcomes as the initial missed or failed assessment. In the case of group work, failure by a whole group would result in an appropriate group task being set and reassessed for all group members. If a single student fails a group assessment or is unable to participate for an evidenced reason, an individual reassessment will be set.
There are rigorous and fair procedures in place to support students who are ill or whose studies and assessments are affected by exceptional circumstances.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC30078).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
