Course Resources Archive

This residential trip develops field skills and an understanding of environs not present within the landscape of mainland Britain. Students will gain experience and knowledge of the characteristics of an area, and be challenged by a physical, social or cultural environment, developing skills in project planning and management.

This module is Category A under the University’s Active Engagement in Learning Scheme. Absence from preparatory sessions will result in a loss of 5% of the overall module mark for each instance of non-attendance.

Exceptionally, by agreement with the relevant Course Leader, students will be allowed to undertake an independently-organised, locally-based alternative programme with tutorial guidance. Disabled students or those with particular special needs preventing attendance should consult the relevant Course Leader to discuss and identify appropriate possibilities.

The fieldtrip will be supported by preparatory sessions in the classroom, independent learning and/or VLEs. The fieldtrip itself will last between five and ten days, typically within vacation periods, in a challenging and unfamiliar physical, social or cultural environment. Follow-up sessions may also be used for evaluation and reflection. The residential period will include tutor-led introductions to themes and local environments and independent and/or group project work. It may include visits to and discussions with people holding local scientific, environmental, legislative or cultural responsibilities or experience in the chosen area.

Typical destinations may include the Swiss Alps, Barcelona, Belfastand Uganda. Themes include glacial and fluvial geomorphology, climate change, water resources, urban and social change, crime, security, social deprivation and urban regeneration.

i. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a)  appreciate and understand specific elements of the physical and human environment in which they are engaged;
b)  have gained detailed technical or other specialised knowledge and understanding appropriate to their course through their own research;
c)  are aware of and have negotiated the cultural conventions, Health & Safety issues and other issues which apply to the particular environment of study;
d) have met the challenge of working in the environment beyond the classroom and mainland Britain to achieve particular academic objectives.

ii. Skills
On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a)  can undertake rapid reconnaissance techniques of sites, locales or regions to be able establish appropriate targets for study;
b)  can plan, initiate, undertake and conclude individual or group projects with tutor guidance;
c)  can work effectively individually or in teams to collect and analyse information;
d) can produce written reports, verbal presentations or other materials utilising the style and terminology appropriate to their discipline;
e)  have developed skills and confidence in personal management.

Staff / student contact: 30% (45 hrs; lectures, seminars, fieldwork)
Student directed learning: 70%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.