University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

Fieldwork in Earth Sciences is key to graduate job prospects and is a platform for students to bring together the many aspects of Earth Sciences. The present module will involve the students not just in carrying out fieldwork, but also in the logistical and interpersonal sides of successful fieldwork design. Students will identify a field area for study in consultation with a member of the teaching staff, which includes several aspects of Earth sciences, such as igneous, sedimentary, economic and environmental geology. The students will form a team and divide the responsibilities for fieldwork and logistics. The assessment will include a memoir that will summarise the geological history of the area, similar to that published by a Geological Survey or the exploration industry. A (formatively assessed) presentation may be required if funding was provided by an external body. Some student groups may choose to use this module to carry out ambitious fieldwork in a remote setting.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Entry to Year 5 of MGeol Earth Sciences

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 5 hours of orientation/tutorials over 2 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 10

Guided independent study hours: 140

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Oral Examination = 100%