NES2208 : International Earth and Environmental Science Fieldtrip
NES2208 : International Earth and Environmental Science Fieldtrip
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sanem Acikalin Cartigny
- Lecturer: Dr Cees van der Land, Dr Shannon Flynn, Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel, Dr Simon Peacock
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
These modules provide the required skills and knowledge to enable the students to undertake independant field work
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aim of this module is to learn Environmental Science field data collection techniques, making field observations, practice data interpretation and present findings to a wider audience. Team work and time management are other focus points of this module.
Technical topics include basic understanding of rocks, soil types, habitat and water chemistry. Renewable energy sources and their environmental impact are the other focus points.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module includes number of technical focus points;
- Link between basement rocks, soil types and associated habitat are investigated.
- Environmental impact assessment and habitat assessments are practiced for mining and renewable energy sources (eg. geothermal, wind and solar energy).
- Water chemistry of surface and ground water resources are studied
The module is a residential field work and includes travelling and staying abroad for few days. Alternative teaching and assessment are provided if/when students cannot attend.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module the students will have experience in making field observations, habitat assessment, water sampling and water chemistry. Understating of the impact of basement rock type on soil properties and hence to the habitat will be established. Students will be able to discuss the possible environmental impact of different renewable energy sources and will have experience on environmental impact assessment.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module the students will have expertise in
- Field observation and data collection skills
- Identification of basic rocktypes.
- Reading and understanding maps, integrating student’s own observations and interpretations from the field
- Synthesising and integrating field data.
- Team working.
- Presenting findings to a wider group.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Non-synchronous. Module intro, coursework intro |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | surface sedimentary processes |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 11:00 | 11:00 | basic rock and soil identification |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Data collection, habitat assessment, water chemistry |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Post fieldtrip assessed interview |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Self guided evening work on geological map |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Pre fieldtrip H&S instructions |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Formative assessment and reflection on it |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 7 | 7:00 | 49:00 | international residential fieldtrip |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Post fieldtrip drop-in |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 90:00 | 90:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This is a field based module with the students learning key skills in the field.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 2 | M | 75 | Oral assessment (10 minute presentation 25%) and individual interview of field note book (50%) at the end of fieldtrip. |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 25 | Mini geological map/design produced during fieldtrip. Handed in at end of trip. 1000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | Students to work on a field notebook and receive feedback |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A combination of in field and pre-field assessments helps students to learn the subjects in a slower pace and give them opportunity to build on their learning. Pre-field trip assessment is designed to prepare students to the more intense field learning. In this assessment, students collect information from literature to build their background understanding.
In field assessments support students' both team work skills and individual understanding of the studied subjects. Oral examination/interview, mainly focuses on students' their own observations and their ability to communicate them.
Formative assessment:
Formative assessment will be providing a feedback on students’ notebook, and aims to improve transferable skills, such as making observations, drawing sketches and taking notes.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2208's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES2208's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.