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Advanced Field Techniques (Level 7)

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor and tutor: Professor Charlie Underwood
  • Assessment: 5-8 fieldwork reports/data sets (60%) and a written report (40%)

Module description

In this module you will view and study a wide range of geomorphological, ecological and anthropogenic features in the field, initially within the mountain and desert areas of SE Morocco. This will provide a unique opportunity to study sites that are unlike anything available within the UK, and greatly expand on knowledge and skills developed in other areas.

The area currently used was chosen for the amazing diversity of sites present and techniques that can be learned and applied, and the opportunity to study in an area that is topographically representative of large areas of the globe where further research or employment may be carried out.

Field classes in which you will work alongside both geography and geoscience undergraduate students will take place in spring.

Indicative syllabus

  • Observation of desert aeolian and fluvial processes, and geometry of aeolian sand bodies
  • Skills of working in montaine, desert and other arid environments
  • Study of the relationship between underlying geology and topography, soils and land use
  • Topographic mapping of volcanic, fluvial and aeolian features
  • Study of montaine weathering, erosion and deposition
  • Observation of impact of deforestation and overgrazing, and recovery projects
  • Study of water supply, water use and water storage in mountainous areas
  • Study of agricultural land use in areas of different water supply, soils and topography
  • Study of land use and utilisation of fossils and mineral resources
  • Study of soils and ecology in Mediterranean, mountain, riverine and desert environments
  • Observation of biogeography of plants and animals and impact of invasive plants on hydrology and ground stability

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate field study experience of a wide diversity of geological/geographical phenomena, including globally famous sites with complex geological histories
  • combine observations of field geology/geography to synthesise historical and spatial relationships
  • demonstrate familiarity with a range of new field techniques required for the study of the features seen
  • demonstrate knowledge of geological/geographical processes, past and present
  • demonstrate knowledge of human geology/geography, and exploitation of geological/geographical resources
  • construct a thesis summarising field data and combine this with published information; includes experience in scientific writing, graphics and presentation
  • understand how fieldwork is to be carried out for research and industrial purposes, taking account of field logistics as well as health and safety
  • demonstrate skills in data collection, collation and usage, as well as in teamworking in an outdoor environment.