GV2FCC-Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 2

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: GV1TGE Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: GV2RTS Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science
Modules excluded: GV2FCA Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 1 GV2FCB Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 4 GV2FCN Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 3
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Alison Macleod
Email: alison.macleod@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Fieldwork is a fundamental component of Geography degrees. This module is designed to introduce you to key concepts in Human and Physical Geography that allow you to undertake field research in a real-world setting using a range of contemporary techniques. Participants make a contribution towards the financial cost of the trip. The highest standards of conduct and professionalism are expected from all participants.

Aims:

The field class aims to equip you with the skills to apply important contemporary techniques, equipment, and approaches required by human and physical geographers to undertake research in the field and to develop transferable skills, including teamwork.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that you will be able to:

• Collect, record, organise, analyse and present a range of types of field data


• Competently use maps and other navigation aids in the field.


• Interpret field data it in the context of wider academic literature


• Evaluate the impact of natural processes on human activity and the landscape


• Demonstrate an understanding of the economic, political, and social dynamics of a specific place


• Demonstrate good collaborative team-working skills, including planning work programme and selection of appropriate methods of working.


• Recognise and demonstrate the importance of keeping a field notebook.


• Synthesise information collected in the field and material from the academic literature into a coherently argued report

Additional outcomes:

Fieldwork requires students to adapt and evolve to changing situations in a real-world setting and so this field class will help you develop skills in lateral thinking and require you to be resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Outline content:

The location of the field class will be chosen in order to help promote curiosity about the relationships between particular localities and the wider world. Typically, it will take the form of visits to key sites/locations, with student-centred work where emphasis is placed upon the assembly of appropriate quantitative and qualitative information and critical assessment of what this reveals. Small group or independent research work will take place throughout the week. Please note that attendance at all preparation sessions is a pre-requisite for going on the field class. Failure to attend these sessions will result in a mark of zero for the module. A variety of field research techniques will be introduced and applied in order to reinforce subject knowledge and develop transferable skills

Global context:

This module will explore geographical processes issues that occur in the economic, social, and physical environment at a specific UK/European locality and set these in the context of global processes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Field class preparation in the form of lectures will take place in the Spring Term. The field class will take place in the Easter Vacation or first week of the Summer Term. During the field trip, you will participate in visits to key sites/locations and combine physical measurements with experiential learning to support field research in a real-world setting. You will work in small groups and complete a team project as part of the assessment.