Undergraduate Course: Field Skills for Earth Surface Scientists (EASC09032)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This is a two-week field course to Inchnadamph in North West Scotland, which will take place from Thursday 26th May to Thursday 9th June 2016.
The course teaches a wide array of field skills needed by Geoscience students, including geological mapping, geomorphological analysis of river and glacial landscapes, quantitative field skills and methods of data collection including sedimentary logging.
The course develops an understanding of the relationship between landscape and geology and increases the ability of students to gather pertinent data from rock outcrops and surface features.
Lastly, the course provides an in-depth understanding of the geological history of the Northwest Highlands, with an emphasis on how this influences the modern landscape.
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| Course description |
A single lecture will be given in the week prior to departure that outlines the aims and objectives of the fieldtrip and gives background on the geological and geomorphological evolution of the area. During the field trip the days comprise the following.
WEEK ONE GUIDE
Day 1: An Overview of Assynt Geology
Documentation of regional stratigraphy and geological structure: Knockan Crag, Loch Glencoul car park, Stronechrubie.
Day 2: Overview of Lewisian/Torridonian in Foreland
Study contact between Lewisian and Stoer Group (informally termed Torridonian). Walk through Stoer succession of sediments and volcanics. Clachtol and Achmelvich if time.
Day 3: Glacial Erosion and Subglacial Processes Glacial Deposits
Training in glacial erosional features and glacial tills near Inchnadamph: Unapool, Elphin and Lonan Valley.
Day 4: Fluvial Geomorphology
Training into measuring hydraulic geometry, discharge, sedimentology and geomorphic characteristics of fluvial systems Follow-up from previous day. Analysing downstream fluvial responses to sea-level change. Lonan Valley and Lochinver.
Day 5: Fluvial Geomorphology
Build on yesterday by looking at another river section and comparing results: Traligill (walk from lodge).
Day 6: Introduction to Geological Mapping
Learn basic techniques of compass use bearings and recording data on map using similar succession to previous day (Torridonian and Lewisian). Loch Assynt shoreline.
Day 7: Day Off (staff change)
Recharge/Recover and overview notebooks.
WEEK TWO GUIDE
Day 8: Sedimentary Logging Through Cambrian Succession and Fold Structures.
Sedimentary logging exercise and sedimentology of the Cambrian succession: Skaig Bridge. Record folding in the upper parts of the succession: Achmore Farm.
Day 9: Predictive Mapping Using Stratum Contours Day 1
This will build on your mapping skills to consider how to predict the distribution of units and boundaries across the landscape using stratum contours - Lochan Feoir and Creag Sgiathaig.
Day 10: Predictive Mapping Using Stratum Contours Day 2
Having mapped some of the boundaries yesterday and projected statum contours during the evening this day will test those predictions through further mapping up into the hills - Lochan Feoir and Creag Sgiathaig.
Day 11: Mapping Exercise
A 3 day project for you to hone your independent mapping skills. Cam Loch/Ledmore.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Not available for Visiting Students in 2015-16. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Fieldwork Hours 98,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
0 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%.
There are three component of assessment:
1) Geological Maps comprising 40%, handed in at the end of the mapping exercise.
2) A fluvial exercise comprising 30%, handed in at the end of the exercise
3) Field notebooks comprising 30%, handed in at the end of the fieldtrip.
Assessment deadlines
1) Geological Maps ¿ thurs 2nd June
2) Fluvial exercise ¿ Thurs 9th June
3) Notebooks ¿ Thurs 9th June.
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| Feedback |
Formative feedback: The notebooks will be handed in during the first week of the field trip, and will be given feedback and returned the following day. Geological maps generated before the assessed maps will be discussed as a group, with positive and negative practices highlighted. Throughout the trip, staff and demonstrators will be looking at your progress and giving constructive feedback on how to improve your work.
Summative feedback: On return to Edinburgh at the beginning of semester 1, the Course Organiser will meet with students to give feedback on the assessed work.
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- A broad and integrated knowledge of Highland geology and surface processes of the Quaternary and recent times.
- An ability to work as part of a group in order to collect and process data.
- An ability to bridge the timescales of the deep geological record with the Quaternary processes responsible for the modern landscape.
- An ability to reconstruct palaeo-environments based on their depositional record.
- An ability to apply quantitative theories in geomorphology to test the processes active in modern landscapes.
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Reading List
A Geological Excursion Guide to the North-West Highlands of Scotland (2011)
by Kathryn M. Goodenough and Maarten Krabbendam.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Inch_2 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Alastair Robertson
Tel: (0131 6)50 8546
Email: Alastair.Robertson@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Casey Hollway
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: Casey.Hollway@ed.ac.uk |
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