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GG2508: SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN GEOSCIENCES (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

This course introduces students to a range of scientific and social scientific skills and techniques used in Geography. The course content builds towards a residential field trip that takes place in the Easter vacation. Past venues have included the Isles of Skye and Arran, the cities of Inverness and Stirling, and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. The trips enable students to put into practice the skills and techniques they have been taught through lectures and in workgroup sessions, and to conduct original research into geographical issues covered elsewhere on the programme.

Only available to students registered for programme year 2 of a Geography study aim or to students also taking at least 3 of GG2013, GG2014, GG2509 & GG2510

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr James E. Schofield

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Geography (GG) or Bachelor Of Science In Geoscience
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • GG2507 Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course introduces key research skills for the geosciences, both scientific and social scientific, and includes both lecture and practical components. Students will learn how to conduct investigations in their chosen field of study effectively and safely. Topics considered include concepts underpinning geosciences research, and basic methods of data gathering, analysis and presentation (such as questionnaire design, keeping of a field notebook, basic field skills, some statistical training, report writing). The core element of the course is a residential fieldtrip in the Easter vacation. This enables students to employ the skills and techniques learned in lectures and workgroup sessions to conduct original research into phenomena/issues covered elsewhere in the suite of Level 1 and 2 courses in Geography & Environment.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
This course involves an Easter field trip. Students are advised not to make arrangements for the vacation until details of the trips are confirmed. Please note the field course involves a student financial contribution. The estimated cost will be £130. GBP 130.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

If fieldwork is possible: 

(i) Research Report (worth 50%)

(ii) Presentation 1 (15%)

(iii) Presentation 2 (15%)

(iv) Coursework portfolio (20%)

If fieldwork is not possible, the Research Report will be replaced with 2 online exercises (one quantitative and one qualitative data exercise), each worth 25% of the overall mark.

Resit:

Students may resit failed elements of the coursework, or may be asked to complete an alternative assessment.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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