Undergraduate Course: Field Skills for Earth Sciences (EASC08034)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This two-week field course aims to develop an understanding of the relationship between surface and subsurface and increases the ability of students to gather pertinent data from rock outcrops and surface features. Mapping work is undertaken on two areas, one approximately 1.5 km2 in size, in week 1; and the other about 3 km2 in size, in week 2. Students spend 8 days on work directly related to these mapping exercises, complemented by 3 days of supporting field investigation. Two days are devoted to data analysis and report production. The course teaches and instils a wide range of field skills, including mapping, structural analysis and reconstruction, quantitative field techniques, and methods of data collection and integration. Students will learn how to exercise the autonomy and initiative required to conduct independent field work and will gain practise in drawing on a range of sources to assist with making informed judgements in the field. Students are trained in personal presentation skills of their field observations and interpretations, as well as group and team-working along with professional practice. |
| Course description |
This course is entirely field trip-based. The 13 field and write-up days are devoted to the following exercises, centred on field localities in NW Scotland but applicable to the geological study of any region.
1. Overview field excursion setting the scene and providing underpinning information on the geology.
2. One day 'microcosm map' exercise on a small and easily-accessed area. This develops basic skills in map-making, field documentation and observation. Follow-up map inked-in in the evening is inspected and formative feedback provided.
3. Three days mapping integrated with geometric analysis and prediction using stratum contours, utilising a 1-1.5 km2 field area with topography. Identification and mapping of units. Logging of representative sections of sedimentary units is integrated as a natural part of field documentation. This in total will enable the production of a completed map of the area, true-scale cross sections, and correct unit thicknesses. These are synthesised into a report and all (report, sections, logs, maps) handed in for initial assessment on day eight of the field trip. Formative feedback is provided along with an indicative grade (on the honours scale) on this suite of work during the second week of the field course.
4. 2 days days of structural mapping and observation within more complex geology coupled with analysis of the observed structures. This may include structural mapping and analysis of thrusted units, documentation and analysis of fold geometries using field data and structural stereonets, and observation and documentation of the variety of structures developed in medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks typified by shear structures.
5. One day field trip to examine the geological record preserved in one of the major units or group of units exposed within the areas mapped in the course. This day trip may concentrate, for example, on the observation, documentation and interpretation of event sequences and cross-cutting relationships in deformed high-grade basement rocks. Alternatively, it may focus on critical intrusive igneous features and relationships or on the detailed characterisation of a diverse sedimentary sequence, depending on the field area location.
6. Four days mapping in a second field area that bears some similarity with those already mapped in week 1 but which has additional complications and units, enabling the prior learning to be used and built upon. This work is written up on the final day and a report, cross-section(s) and map prepared for submission as part of the final assessment. The work previously submitted at the end of week one (item (3)) and returned to students during week 2 is submitted again along with material produced for (4) and (6) to track student development as part of the final assessment.
Students on a focussed pathway (direct entry into year 2) will receive three afternoon tutorials in the week 11 of Sem 2 where they practice key techniques of geological map construction and interpretation.
* This course is compulsory for 2nd year Earth Science, Earth Science programmes only. Please contact geoset.ug.kb@ed.ac.uk to check availability. *
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | Students MUST also take:
Rock Forming Processes (EASC08032)
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| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | This course is compulsory for 2nd year Earth Science Degree programmes only. Please contact geoset.ug.kb@ed.ac.uk to check availability.
Living costs whilst on site in NW Scotland.
All accommodation, transport and supervision/demonstration costs are borne by the School. |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 120 |
| Course Start |
Blocks 4-5 (Sem 2) |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 6,
Fieldwork Hours 110,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 16,
Other Study Hours 4,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
60 )
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| Additional Information (Learning and Teaching) |
Field-based lectures.
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Formative assessment:
To be provided by staff during the course of the field trip, based on week 1 work, including geological maps and a cross-section of the specific mapped area (LO2, LO3, LO4), a brief report on the rock units of that area (LO1, LO2, LO5), and a structural stereonet exercise (LO4).
Summative Assessment:
Week 2 mapping project (70%): geological Map (30%), cross-sections (20%) and accompanying report (2 sides A4) on the geology and structural evolution of the area (20%). [LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5]
Field Notebook (30%): covering the work undertaken throughout the whole field course. [LO2, LO3, LO4]
Students must attain an overall mark of 40% (or above) to pass the course. |
| Feedback |
Feedback is provided by the following routes during the course:
Formative assessment and comment on the first mapping exercise (Microcosm Map) at the end of the 2nd field day.
The material produced from mapping and related work carried out in week 1 (report, sections, logs, maps) are handed in for initial assessment on day eight of the field trip. Written formative feedback is provided along with an indicative grade (on the honours scale) on this suite of work. This feedback is given by day 10 of the course.
Feedback is provided continuously by field demonstrators / staff on the field notebooks, on observations in the field, on procedures for location, plotting and documenting features, units and structures. Evening sessions are devoted to answering student questions on methods and results, and to providing follow-up summaries of the daily work. These sessions involve 4-6 staff / demonstrators and last for 1-2 hours each evening. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the geology and evolution of the region examined and its place in the geological evolution of NW Britain.
- Apply a varied suite of field skills to the effective documentation, measurement and illustration of rock outcrops and other forms of surface geological data.
- Produce field maps, cross-sections and related field data using appropriate graphical techniques that enable the interpretation of geology in three dimensions.
- Construct a model for the geology of an area taking into account uncertainties in observational data and their extrapolation into the subsurface.
- Synthesise and report on the geological evolution of an area through the integrated use of maps, cross-sections, diagrams and accompanying supporting data.
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Reading List
Goodenough, K.M. & Krabbendam, M. (2011). A Geological Excursion Guide to the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Edinburgh. Edinburgh Geological Society (in association with National Museums Scotland). 215 pp.
Trewin, N.H. (ed.) (2002). The Geology of Scotland. London. The Geological Society of London.
Woodcock, N. & Strachan, R.A. (eds.) (2000). Geological History of Britain and Ireland. Oxford. Blackwell Science. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of the principles, principal theories, concepts and terminology of geological field mapping and geological evolution of a region.
PRACTICE: APPLIED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING: Apply knowledge, skills and understanding in using a range of the principal professional skills, techniques, practices and/or materials associated with the interpretation of the geology of an area or region, taking into account observational and model uncertainties.
GENERIC COGNITIVE SKILLS: Undertake critical analysis, evaluation and/or synthesis of ideas, concepts, information and issues in geological observation and interpretation. Define and analyse problems in the field, drawing on a range of sources in making judgements.
COMMUNICATION, ICT AND NUMERACY SKILLS: Presentation and expression of information on topics relating to geological interpretation to the student and staff audience. Interpretation, use and evaluation of numerical and graphical data to achieve field-generated goals.
AUTONOMY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND WORKING WITH OTHERS: Exercise autonomy and initiative in developing a strategic approach to real-time field investigation, based on recognising and defining problems and then selecting routes to solving those problems. Practise with an awareness of the student's own and others' roles and responsibilities in the field team or group. Work under the guidance of field leaders and demonstrators, seeking and utilising that guidance thoughtfully and operating in accordance with current professional and ethical codes and practices. |
| Keywords | Field work,geological mapping,cross-section,structural analysis,3D subsurface deep time |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Steven Hollis
Tel:
Email: Steven.Hollis@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Johan De Klerk
Tel: (0131 6)50 7010
Email: johan.deklerk@ed.ac.uk |
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