KE4012 - Environmental Science Fieldwork

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides a practical experience in field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science in field settings that explore a variety of habitats and management strategies in Cumbria.

Topics on this module include:

- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Standard survey methodologies
- Plant and animal identification
- Ecological data analysis and presentation

How will I learn on this module?

You will encounter a variety of fieldwork approaches to studying the environment as you develop your technical skills as part of a residential fieldtrip. This component of the module will introduce you to conservation and management concerns of the UK countryside. You will also design and present how you would approach solving a local environmental problem. These tasks are designed to give you employable skills in approaching problem-solving and public communication. The fieldtrip will be supported by introductory lectures and pre-fieldwork background reading.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

On the fieldtrip you will learn safe working practices in the field and get plenty of opportunity for discussing matters related to the module with staff. Staff will be on hand to provide formative feedback as you identify a local environmental problem and develop an approach to its solution.

Where appropriate, learning materials are made available through eLP. All reading material is made available electronically through reading lists. 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.

What will I be expected to read on this 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)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Review a range of key environmental issues, at global and local scales
• MLO 2: Discuss the value of life on earth, economically, culturally and ecologically, and assess its current threats to biodiversity

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Use and apply standard ecological survey methods to collect ecological field data
• MLO 4: Demonstrate safe working practices in the field situations

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):.
• MLO 5: Develop a positive and professional attitude towards teamwork in the field.

How will I be assessed?

Group presentation (50%): During the Semester 2 residential field trip, you will identify a local environmental problem and suggest how this might be solved. You will present your project proposal in the field. Staff are on hand to offer feedback on the development of your project and presentations (MLO 1,2,3,4, 5)

Individual herbarium collection (50%): In developing your field identification skills, you will collect and describe a plant specimen in accordance with professional standards (MLO 3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module immerses you in Environmental Science residential fieldwork. As a grand finale to your first year, you spend a week in the Lake District putting into practice skills and concepts you have been developing throughout the first year.

Course info

UCAS Code F751

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Geography and Environmental Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2023 or September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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