Unit information: Environmental Geoscience Fieldwork in 2016/17

Unit name	Environmental Geoscience Fieldwork
Unit code	EASC30029
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Kendall
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Sucessful completion of the second year of an Environmental Geoscience programme at Bristol; EASC20034 Imaging and Mapping the Earth
Co-requisites	Other Level 3 Environmental Geoscience units
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

A one-week residential field class to the Brecon Beacons, Wales. The unit involves the application of geophysical methods to investigate the subsurface geology and structures associated with the tectonic history of South Wales and assess potential geohazards of the region. The field trip usually takes place in week 23; you are advised to check the fieldwork calendar for exact dates.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Be familiar and able to describe most of the main methods of geophysical exploration.

• Be able to specify the most appropriate geophysical technique(s) to investigate a particular physical process.

• Have developed skills in fieldwork, data processing and interpretation.

• Record legible and useful field notes.

• Produce a useful presentation that conveys scientific information in an effective form.

• Work effectively in a team to meet a strict deadline.

Teaching Information

Fieldwork

Assessment Information

Coursework for this field class consists of four parts:

• Independently recorded field notes describing data acquisition, results and salient features of sites visited (20%)

• A group presentation based upon field observations, processed results and interpretations (50%)

• Professionalism, which includes attitude, attendance and participation (10%)

• A short quiz, testing your knowledge of the geophysical techniques being used and knowledge of the scientific questions being addressed, including a basic understanding of the local geology and natural hazards (20%)

Reading and References

An extensive fieldwork guide will be distributed. Notes and the fieldguide will be available on Backboard. Some key references include:

• Kearey, P., Brooks, M. & Hill, I., 2002. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration. 3rd edition. Blackwell Scientific Publications Ltd., Oxford.

• Howells, M. F., 2008. Wales (Regional Geology Guides), British Geological Survey, UK.