KE7032 - Environmental Reconstruction

On this module, you will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of Environmental Reconstruction through seminars, laboratory and IT sessions, and demonstrate these learned skills in the production of a publication-style report. You will be directly guided through reading and seminars to gain theoretical knowledge, and you will put this knowledge into practice through independent, tutor-guided learning to apply
proxy-based reconstructions in field and laboratory settings to answer a palaeoenvironmental question. Staff with expertise in Environmental Reconstruction will guide you to generate and analyse your own data and you will be expected to independently conduct a literature review on an Environmental Reconstruction question of your choice. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and specialist staff with expertise in multiproxy reconstructions will support your learning.

You will be provided with academic support for theoretical and practical aspects of environmental reconstruction by staff with expertise in the taught proxy methods and associated statistical methods. Your assessment will be supported through seminar discussion to explore data trends and compare the limitations and strengths of Environmental Reconstruction methods. You will be supported in your final report assessment through discussion with staff members on the analysis, presentation and discussion of results generated by yourself and others.

You will be guided by technical staff for laboratory self-guided independent learning aspects of the module, including preparation of sample material and use of specialist equipment. Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding: * MLO1. Evaluate and apply up-to-date Environmental Reconstruction methods in the field and laboratory settings. * MLO2. Synthesise and critique appropriate peer-reviewed literature in Environmental Reconstruction to identify challenges and strengths in the research discipline. Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: * MLO3. Critically analyse a complex dataset and identify key trends using highly developed written communication skills Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): * MLO4. Develop a critical understanding of the role in Environmental Reconstruction in solving pressing global environmental problems.

You will be assessed through an 8 page report in the style of a peer-reviewed publication that showcases the skills learned, specifically, theoretical aspects of the discipline, field and laboratory skills, advanced statistical applications, presentation of data, and precise written communication. You will have the opportunity for formative feedback through the submission of a written draft will be provided in advance of the final submission.

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In this module, you will learn and apply field and laboratory methods to answer a question in Environmental Reconstruction. You will work alongside leading experts in Environmental Reconstruction proxy methods and statistical analyses, and you will be taught to use research laboratory facilities to generate your proxy data by experts in this field. The proxy methods will allow you to address questions of past change in components of the Earth’s system, such as climate, vegetation and fire. You will learn how to create a publication-quality report that is similar to papers published in international peer-review journals. By the end of this module, you will have generated new knowledge and you will be confident in your ability to analyse complex datasets, describe and interpret key trends, and showcase higher level writing skills. These analytical and communication skills are transferable to the workplace and further academic study.