| Unit name | Fundamentals of Modern Glaciology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOG20004 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Liz Bagshaw |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit explores topics in the Cryosphere theme introduced in Year 1. It reinforces the key terminology used to describe the components of the modern (present-day and immediate past, rather than paleo) cryosphere and the key controls on its behaviour. It aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of modern physical glaciology. Students will learn about the physical relationships between glacier size, climate and climate change; glacier motion and its environmental controls; the functioning of glaciers as dynamic hydrological systems; and their impacts on surrounding ecosystems. It will include exploration of different tools that can be applied to understand the glacial system, including remote and in situ observations. These may include satellite remote sensing, geophysical tools, geochemical and hydrological techniques. The unit will explore contemporary research issues in glaciology such as microbial habitability, how computer models are used to simulate glacier futures, and the major interactions between physical, chemical and biological processes in the cryosphere.
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
The following transferable skills are developed in this unit:
The unit will be taught through a combination of:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Group presentation on research paper(s)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Interpretation of glaciological dataset (numerical exercise followed by written justification and critical analysis) (100%) [ILOs 1-6]
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will be offered an alternative assessment with the same format, for completion in the summer reassessment period.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOG20004).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
