GV3FC-Geography and Environmental Science Field Class

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Nicholas Branch
Email: n.p.branch@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Steve Robinson
Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a non-residential, field-based module to enhance training and experience of undertaking in situ problem-based research, involving data collection, analysis and interpretation. The main theme is ‘society and the environment’, and the aim is to develop a fully integrated understanding of human and physical processes with a strong emphasis on authentic, ‘real world’ issues, drawing upon methods used in human and physical geography, and environmental science.

Aims:

The module aims to train students in applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills to a range of local geographical and environmental issues. This will enhance their knowledge and understanding of field investigation methods used in human and physical geography, and environmental science, with a strong emphasis on authentic, ‘real world’ issues that affect society and the environment. The students will gain further experience of applying their theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained during the degree course by collecting, analysing, interpreting and discussing data framed by a range of geographical and environmental issues. This will develop their research abilities and employability skills, which will be key to their career development and achieving their personal goals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Themed around ‘society and the environment’, by the end of the field class module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Collect, organize and analyze a range of data types including your own observations.


• Describe and explain local soil, vegetation, water and land-use characteristics, especially in relation to landscape management and the agricultural economy.


• Design and implement sampling strategies for the collection of social and environmental data.


• Evaluate socio-environmental data in both urban and rural contexts, especially in relation to wider issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, landscape erosion, and health and wellbeing.

• Demonstrate project planning and team working skills.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop additional key skills that are important for employability in the following areas:

• Awareness of key data sources relating to environmental and social issues.


• Awareness of key institutions and individuals having governance over these issues.


• Enhancement of communication skills through oral presentations, interviews, questionnaires and discussion, as well as written reporting and connecting with people and teams.


• Enhancement of problem solving skills, including methodological development.


• Development of organizational skills by completing multiple tasks within defined deadlines.Ìý Ìý

Outline content:

The field class will involve dividing the students into small, supervised groups. Each day will focus on a specific theme including heathland landscapes and ecology, air and noise pollution, water quality, land and soil suitability, and health for agriculture and viticulture, peatland degradation and restoration, and cultural ecosystem services.

The evenings will involve data analysis, and the final day will be a group-based project, whereby each group acts as a team of consultants addressing a particular scenario informed by the groups’ data and knowledge acquired during the field class. Specifically, each group is asked to prepare and present a proposal to undertake a site investigation that must consider both the environmental and social aspects of the project.

Global context:

The field class will be based non-residentially