Unit information: Independent Field Project in 2022/23

Unit name	Independent Field Project
Unit code	EASC30022
Credit points	30
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Cooper
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	Years 1 and 2 of the Geology degree programme curriculum
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	n/a
Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Unit Information

The aim of this field mapping class is for the student to develop further observational, recording and deductive skills in the field through mapping and the gathering of petrological, structural,and other geologically relevant data. 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 spend four days in intensive mapping training, followed by 24 days of independent mapping (with a partner) in an assigned project area.

Students will produce an independent project that includes the following elements:

1. a field notebook and field geological map;
2. a digitally-drafted fair copy map with legend;
3. geological cross-section(s);
4. a mapping report that integrates observations made in the field, interpretations derived from the map and cross-sections, analysis of structural and other field data and information about the region that is available in the literature;
5. an A1 poster that will present a synopsis of the mapping project and which will be displayed in a poster session.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of the field class students will be able to:

• Identify and interpret a range of rock types in the field.
• Record systematically and interpret the geology of an area based exclusively on field observations.
• Produce an electronic version of a geological field map.
• Interpret geological structures in cross-section and through the use of stereographic representations.
• Develop time management skills.
• Integrate diverse data into a coherent report.
• Understand the basic principles used in preparing a risk assessment

How you will learn

Content will be delivered through a series of synchronous preparatory sessions in Bristol then in the field prior to independent synchronous fieldwork. Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete fieldwork, or alternative activities in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.

How you will be assessed

• 80% coursework, comprised of a report detailing a field-based geological analysis and history of the mapped region (30%), accompanied by original field notebooks (15%) and field maps (15%), a fair copy A0 map (10%), and a cross section (10%).

• 10% based on an individual questions and answer session to be held after submission and marking of the mapping materials and report

• 10% professionalism mark, including behaviour and engagement with field-based activities

Resources

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. EASC30022).

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 Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.