GEOG0017 Physical Geography Field Research is normally based around a residential field class supported by preparatory and follow-up lectures / practicals. The module has several objectives. At the broadest level we hope students will gain an appreciation of the complexity and dynamic nature of the physical environment through direct contact, field monitoring / surveying, laboratory and computer-based analysis. Students’ understanding of environmental processes will improve through the investigations they carry out. The module will develop skills in research design, data acquisition and analysis, oral presentation and writing up of academic research. It also makes links to the Department's other second year physical geography modules (see pre-requisites). Project-specific training will be provided in a range of field techniques, field and laboratory equipment as well as computer-based analytical approaches. At the end of the module students will have designed, implemented and presented (both orally and in written-form) the results of a research project involving field-based data collection as well as subsequent laboratory and computer-based analysis.

Teaching Methods 

The module is largely field based with supporting lectures / practicals / seminars before the field class that include an introduction to the projects, mapping using GIS and numerical analysis. Students also receive lecture-based guidance during the field class on presenting their data, as well as designing and giving scientific presentations.

During the field class students work in small groups on one project. Projects can be broadly described as hydrological, geomorphological or ecological in nature. The projects are usually undertaken in groups of 3-5 students (depending upon the number of students registered for the module). Although project areas are defined by academic staff, students are responsible for the finalisation of an effective research design and for planning their activities during the field class. This work is done through discussions with academic staff and group collaboration prior to the field class. Overall, this work is designed to provide develop the following key areas:

Cognitive Skills: Data analysis, critical thinking, hypothesis testing, complex problem solving.
	Specialist Skills: Depending upon the project this includes research design, fieldwork and laboratory skills including the use of a range of field and laboratory equipment, computer-based analysis including the use of GIS, numerical and analytical modelling and multivariate statistics.
	Personal Skills: Group work, oral presentations, report writing, time management.
Following the field class, guidance is provided on the course paper in a further lecture. A total of three seminars before / after the field class focus on specific issues and are designed to increase preparedness for the field class and to develop approaches for presenting scientific data upon return to UCL. Students are also strongly encouraged to make use of academic staff office hours to discuss their projects.

The Field Class

The field class normally takes place during the Reading Week of the autumn term (normally between the Saturday immediately before Reading Week until the Thursday of Reading Week). The field class is normally based in and around two protected areas, s’Albufereta Natural Reserve and s'Albufera Natural Park, in Northeast Mallorca. These sites provide a range of exciting environments with the work being supported by Reserve / Park staff with whom UCL Geography has a long-established relationship. Student projects generate valuable data which, along with copies of course papers, are routinely provided to the Reserve / Park authorities. It should be noted that whilst the Department will, as far as possible, run the field class as normal, we may need to modify these plans as the international health and travel situation evolves. This could conceivably include running the field class at a different time or to a different location. The Department will endeavour to communicate any changes to students as soon a practically possible. In return we would request and expect prompt replies to any requests for information which may be required to organise the field class (e.g. passport medical and emergency contact information).

Links to other modules / co-requisites.

GEOG0017 Physical Geography Field Research is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in physical and environmental geography. The module makes links to the Department's other second year physical geography modules and students should therefore be taking at least two of these in their second year. The normal expectation is that they intend to undertake a physical geography dissertation in the third year. Students who apply for GEOG0017 without appropriate supporting courses will be contacted to request that they revise their module choices. The logistics of the field class are such that we would normally expect to support up to 30 students on the module.

The primary career skills (taken from the UCL Geography Transferable Skill Log) which students will acquire from this module include:

Critical thinking: ability to assess data and ideas.
	Team working.
	Interpersonal skills.
	Communication: academic writing.
	Communication: verbal.
	Presentation skills.
	Time management: organisation and planning of work.
	Problem-solving.
	Dealing with conflicts / negotiations within a professional environment.
	Adaptability: ability to work under pressure.
	General ICT competence – in particular use of Office (principally Excel / Powerpoint).
	Statistical analysis – approaches dependent upon projects.
	Coding – in particular the use of Matlab.
	GIS.
	Numerical modelling – approaches dependent upon projects.
	Field work – a range of techniques / equipment dependent upon projects.
	Laboratory work – a range of techniques / equipment dependent upon projects.