Last modified: 15 Oct 2025 12:46
This course provides an introduction to and training in multiple techniques which are used in physical geography. These are directly related to our research strengths in glaciology, hydrology and palaeoecology. This develops skills across a range of techniques which can be subsequently applied to dissertation projects, for advanced 4th year courses and for higher level education. These techniques all represent transferable skills which may be applied in the workplace. There are three field days where data are collected with subsequent lab classes providing instruction on how to analyse and interpret such data.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
|
||
This course will deliver knowledge of, and training in, key skills and techniques related to our specific strengths in physical geography, namely: glaciology, hydrology and palaeoecology. The course will build on the introduction provided to these subjects at Level 2 through our course on Physical Environments. Each of the study blocks runs a field day where techniques are demonstrated and data is collected. These are followed up with further practical experience (skills training and data analysis) in the laboratory and/or classroom. The theory underpinning the techniques, and case studied linked to these, will also be taught. Students will choose to specialise in (focus upon) two of the three research areas named above, with their course assessment linked to these. The course will provide a research-led introduction of techniques that can be further developed through study of our specialist courses at Level 4 and beyond (e.g. as part of advanced level study, and in the workplace).
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3x data-led exercises, 33.33% each Word count: 1,500 words each Students will receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using our standard comments sheets. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a selected range of key techniques commonly used in physical geography. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Students will be able to collect, present, critically analyse and interpret datasets linked to aspects of the cryosphere, hydrosphere and/or biosphere |
| Procedural | Apply | Students will be able to identify and apply scientific techniques that are relevant for addressing a range of research questions in physical geography. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Resubmission of failed coursework components usually permitted, but with mark capped at CGS D3/9. Contact course coordinator. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a selected range of key techniques commonly used in physical geography. |
| Procedural | Apply | Students will be able to identify and apply scientific techniques that are relevant for addressing a range of research questions in physical geography. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Students will be able to collect, present, critically analyse and interpret datasets linked to aspects of the cryosphere, hydrosphere and/or biosphere |
We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.
