University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 24

ECTS credits : 12

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Summer after graduation

Availability restrictions: Not available to students on St Andrews degree programmes.

Planned timetable: Full time for 5 weeks

This module aims to train students in advanced geological field skills and mapping, and focuses on providing a comprehensive training of best practice in geological fieldwork. Scotland is the ideal natural laboratory for this; it offers classic exposures of a variety of rock types relevant to key periods throughout three billion-years of Earth History. The taught content of the module includes lectures, staff-led fieldwork, group workshops, practical laboratories, and computer-based lab exercises. Independent fieldwork is a core part of the module. Module assessment is based on the quality of field notebooks, field and office maps, and group participation, as well as through a multiple choice test and a final independent digital map and project report. Feedback is provided every week and is therefore iterative, allowing students to learn from past assessments throughout the module. Extensive feedback is provided during fieldwork as field notebooks and maps are reviewed and discussed during evening surgeries.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 9.00 am - 11.00 am lectures, 10.00 am - 6.00 pm Fieldwork

Scheduled learning hours: 200

Guided independent study hours: 40

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 80%, Final Project = 20%


Re-assessment: No Re-assessment available

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Earth & Environmental Sciences staff