Unit information: Near-surface Geophysics Fieldwork in 2021/22

Unit name	Near-surface Geophysics Fieldwork
Unit code	EASC30055
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Wookey
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	All mandatory first and second year units for BSc or MSci Geophysics
Co-requisites	All mandatory third year units for BSc or MSci Geophysics
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

Content will be delivered through in-person fieldwork and a series of online synchronous support sessions. Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete fieldwork, or alternative activities in person, either during the academic year or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.

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%)

Resources

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. EASC30055).

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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.