Unit information: Study Abroad in 2015/16

Unit name	Study Abroad
Unit code	EASC30036
Credit points	120
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Robinson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	In order to progress in a degree programme with study overseas (and thus spend year 3 abroad), a candidate is required to: 1) Demonstrate an adequate attainment in prior years. All units must be passed at first sitting in years 1 and 2 (no failed units, no resits). In year 1 an average grade of at least 60% must be attained across the year. In year 2 an average grade of at least 60% must be attained in both the January and the June exams. and 2) Be fluent in the appropriate language if intending study in another language. We anticipate most students studying in English.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit constitutes the third year of MSci Environmental Geoscience with Study Abroad and MSci Geology with Study Abroad.

The year is spent studying in an approved university with an Earth Sciences component sufficient to provide the knowledge and skills required to allow progression into year 4 of the MSci programme.

Core courses studied abroad: All students must agree a core of 50% of their courses prior to leaving for the year abroad. Any changes to those courses must be agreed by the School's Director of Study Abroad (DSA).

Other courses studied abroad: The remaining 50% of courses are at the student's discretion. Students will be advised to choose wisely as these courses will be needed as preparation for the fourth year back in Bristol.

Whilst abroad, the progress of the student will be monitored by e-mail contact with the DSA. Assessment while abroad will depend on units taken, but it is anticipated that this will consist of a combination of examinations and coursework.

Students must compile a year abroad portfolio, which must include:

• Unit outlines
• Hard copies of written coursework
• Hard copies of lecture handouts/notes
• Excel spreadsheet of grades, credit points and commentary on the course
• Official transcript

Upon return to the UK an exit interview will be held with the DSA and other members of academic staff. These will take place between week 0 and week 4, timing will be dependent on field trips and timetabling of taught units.

In addition to the courses studied at the host University all student will complete an independent project.

• Geology with Study Abroad students will complete the field mapping project (part of EASC30022 Independent Field Project undertaken prior to going abroad). Projects must be postmarked on or before the deadline set for submission by MSci Geology students in Bristol.
• Environmental Geoscience with Study Abroad students will complete either a research project report undertaken with a member of staff at the host university or a literature review based on coursework which they found of interest whilst overseas. Submission must be at least two weeks prior to the exit interview.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and understanding equivalent to the core level H/6 Geology or Environmental Geoscience courses (as appropriate) at Bristol.
• A knowledge and understanding of units as taught by the partner university.
• Ability to cope with the challenges of living and studying abroad

Teaching Information

Variable, as teaching is at the partner university

Assessment Information

• 50% based on the Univeristy of Bristol numeric grade conversion of marks achieved in the core course selection
• 25% based on inspection of the year abroad portfolio, and exit interview
• 25% independent project

Reading and References

To be decided by the host institution.