Unit information: Geophysics Research Project in 2020/21

Unit name	Geophysics Research Project
Unit code	EASC30056
Credit points	30
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Nick Teanby
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit students undertake and experience the process of conducting an independent research investigation integrating field and computational methods. Each year, a number of projects are offered; each project is supervised by one or two members of staff and can be done by 4 to 6 students. Although some aspects of the project work may be conducted as a group (e.g. data gathering during fieldwork), each student completes their own literature review, analysis and synthesis of data, computational work and write-up.

Prior to undertaking the project-specific fieldwork, all students participate in a one week group desk study in which they digitise, aggregate and interpret pre-existing datasets and other information, familiarise themselves with relevant geophysical methods and equipment, develop project objectives, and design acquisition strategies for later fieldwork.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

• develop project objectives and viable strategies for collection, analysis and interpretation of data
• demonstrate investigative and analytical skills relevant to the project
• identify and access appropriate library- or archive-based information
• collect and manage information and/or findings, and decide when it is sufficient to meet the aims of the project
• produce a project report in the form of a scientific paper
• plan and manage time throughout a research project, from initial fieldwork planning to final production of the report

Teaching Information

Independent work with supervised components in the field and laboratory. Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory or 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.

Assessment Information

The project will be assessed on the basis of a written report (100%). The page limit for the report is 20pp, excluding references, figures, tables and appendices.

In the event of the unit not being passed students will be set additional work which must be completed over the Summer and submitted at the start of the resit/supplementary exam period.

Reading and References

Background papers and datasets will be identified in discussion with a supervisor and PDFs/files made available on Blackboard where appropriate.