programme specification……. physical geography and ... · certificate of he in physical...

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PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION……. Physical Geography and Geology 2016

Final

PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION

Course summary

Final award BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology

Intermediate award BSc Physical Geography and Geology

Diploma of HE in Physical Geography and Geology

Certificate of HE in Physical Geography and Geology

Course status Validated

Awarding body University of Brighton

College Life, Health and Physical Sciences

School Environment and Technology

Location of study/ campus Moulsecoomb

Partner institution(s)

Name of institution Host department Course status

1. SELECT

2.

3.

Admissions

Admissions agency UCAS

Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course.

Applicable for 2016 entry. Check the University’s website for 2017 entry requirements.

UCAS tariff: BBB. Must include a relevant science-related subject or geography.

BTEC: DDM.

International Baccalaureate: 30 points, specified subjects.

Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits overall. Level 3 units in science required. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 18 credits at merit or above.

GCSE (minimum grade C): At least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

Foundation degree/HND/HNC: May enable direct access to year 2.

For non-native speakers of English: IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Applicants with non standard qualifications should contact the School office at [email protected]

Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September

Sep-16

mailto:[email protected]

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Mode of study

Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period

Full-time 3 years 8 years

Part-time Other: 6 years 8 years

Sandwich 4 years 10 years

Distance

Course codes/categories

UCAS code FF86

Contacts

Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)

Dr James Cole

Admissions Tutor Dr James Cole

Examination and Assessment

External Examiner(s)

Name Place of work Date tenure expires

Martin Stokes University of Plymouth

2018

Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)

AEB/CEB Geography & Geology

Approval and review

Approval date Review date

Validation 19981 03/12/082

Programme Specification March 20163

Q&S Published June 2016

March 20174

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): The Geological Society of London

February 2006

February 2012 (reaccreditation)

February 20185

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable):

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable):

1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved. 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. 5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.

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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims

The aim of the BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology course is to develop the range of academic and transferable skills associated with a geographical and geological education thus equipping graduates for either subject-related or wider employment opportunities.

This is achieved by providing a broad foundation for geographical and geological study and opportunities for subsequent specialisation, with students developing geographical/geological abilities and knowledge along with more general academic and scientific abilities as they progress through the course.

The programme develops, through the medium of geographical and geological study, a range of transferable skills including IT and quantitative skills, scientific skills, communication skills, groupwork abilities and personal organisation and development. A key feature of the degree programme is the development of careers-related and life-long learning skills in partnership with the University's Careers Planning Agreement.

The course further develops a range of geographical, geological and academic research skills through a combination of classroom, laboratory, fieldwork and project modules.

The aims of each Level are as follows:

CertHE (Level 4) will:

Provide students with a balanced programme of study spanning topics of physical and environmental geography and geology;

Provide students with a sound understanding of core concepts across the breadth of both subjects (physical geography, geology);

Introduce students to a range of geographical and geological skills including fieldwork and laboratory work, together with transferable skills including oral and written communication, teamwork, interpretation and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, use of IT, critical analysis and problem-solving;

Provide an opportunity for students to develop additional skills in areas such as languages and other sciences.

DipHE (Level 5) will additionally:

Allow students to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles in chosen areas of both disciplines;

Introduce students to the critical evaluation and application of core concepts in new contexts;

Provide students with an appreciation of the processes of knowledge generation within the disciplines;

Introduce students to the process of research design and implementation;

Provide students with an opportunity to place their subject-specific and wider learning within the context of employment opportunities and career planning.

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BSc Hons (Level 6) will additionally:

Enable students to study advanced aspects of chosen areas of both subjects;

Enable students to develop greater independence in their learning;

Provide students with an opportunity to understand and evaluate different approaches to solving contemporary problems in chosen areas of the subjects;

Require students to design, implement and communicate the results of an independent specialist research study on a topic selected with assistance from a staff advisor.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and theory The progressive development of knowledge and understanding is an important feature of the degree programme. Level 4 develops understanding of core components of the two disciplines together with basic tools of geographical and geological analysis. Level 5 develops wider and more critical knowledge of physical geography and geology through the study of Earth systems and human-environment interactions, and also of the principles of the research process and its application. Level 6 develops deep understanding of knowledge and its provisional nature.

At Level 4 all students take a compulsory programme of modules in Physical Geography (coded GY...) and Geology (coded GG...). Several Level 5 modules are also compulsory (Table 1). The extent to which individual students develop understanding of particular areas varies depending on the choice of non-compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6.

On successful completion of the course the graduate should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

1. The role of earth surface processes in shaping the landscape in a range of environments from polar to arid

2. The processes of, and evidence for, past environmental change and landscape evolution

3. The issues surrounding contemporary environmental problems and approaches to their management

4. The operation of ecological and biogeographical systems and measures to ensure their conservation

5. The principles underpinning geological science, geological time concepts, processes of formation and evidence for the origin of rocks

6. The processes of evolution of life on Earth and the development of fundamental time framework for the planetary system

7. The application of geological science to major Earth issues including earth resources, groundwater, geohazards and construction

8. The operation and use of geographical and geological tools and techniques for data acquisition, analysis and interpretation.

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Skills

A strong theme of skills development runs throughout the degree programme, including a number of compulsory skills-based modules (particularly at levels 4 and 5). Level 4 introduces a range of core intellectual, discipline-specific and transferable skills including basic study skills, group work, presentation skills, IT skills, quantitative and qualitative methods, the development and communication of reasoned arguments, interpretation and synthesis of geographical and geological data, together with basic field and laboratory skills. These are developed and enhanced at Level 5, together with a greater emphasis on research skills, fieldwork, and problem-solving. For example, optional module GG218 is a one-week residential field course held in Anglesey designed specifically to provide training in geological mapping and interpretation of structural geology. The 20-credit module Research and Career Skills for Geoscientists (GG213) involves students in an in-depth investigation of a specific geoscience topic and prepares them for their final year Project work. Another important feature of this module is the development of career awareness and job-seeking skills as part of the University's Careers Planning Agreement. At Level 6, the development of research skills culminates in the final year Project, along with the development of a deeper understanding of the construction and nature of geographical and geological knowledge.

Throughout the degree programme, the following intellectual, discipline-specific and transferable skills are developed.

Intellectual skills

On successful completion of the course the graduate should be able to:

1. develop a reasoned and critical argument through the integration and interpretation of primary and secondary materials

2. generate geographical and geological research questions and to identify and use appropriate methods in reaching and reporting conclusions

3. critically evaluate evidence, ideas and theoretical standpoints within a breadth of geographical and geological contexts

4. undertake a deeper approach to learning and understanding

5. understand the constructed and dynamic nature of all knowledge.

Discipline-specific skills


1. collect, interpret and synthesise different types of geographical and geological data

2. understand the concept of, and importance of, sustainability in the management of Earth and its resources

3. prepare effective maps and diagrams using appropriate approaches and technologies

4. work safely and effectively in laboratory and field contexts

5. understand the basic theoretical, philosophical and methodological

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issues relating to qualitative and quantitative research

6. identify a geographical or geological problem or issue, to investigate it through an appropriately planned, designed and implemented research project, and to present the findings as project report using reasoned argument to draw clear conclusions.

Transferable skills


1. communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing, verbally, and graphically

2. collect, record, analyse and present data of various forms using appropriate analytical techniques

3. learn and study independently, to take responsibility for the management of independent investigation and learning, and to plan time effectively

4. work and communicate effectively as part of a team

5. demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate IT packages to find, explore, develop and present numbers, text and images

6. use appropriate techniques for job-seeking and information acquisition for life-long learning

7. demonstrate an appreciation of the broader environmental and academic contexts of their learning.

QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)6

Earth Science, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies

PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)

Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.

Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.

The Geological Society (of London) (Geol Soc) undertakes 6-yearly reappraisals of course content to ensure compliance with their requirements. For the most recent reappraisal, documentation was submitted in December 2011 and approval granted in February 2012.

The number of days of fieldwork, and types of fieldwork undertaken, are important for accreditation purposes. Geol Soc specify a minimum number of fieldwork days (65) for an accredited BSc Honours course, and the course team designed the degree programme to meet this requirement. To meet the stipulations, three residential field courses are compulsory and students must undertake at least 2 weeks of geological fieldwork (including at least 1 week of mapping) as part of their final year Project (module GG390 or GY390). In cases where students have disabilities or other special needs, fieldwork may be substituted by other activities that meet the learning outcomes.

6 Please refer to the QAA website for details.

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Mathematics and statistics are important aspects of the course that are monitored by the Geol Soc and again, the minimum requirements are stipulated. For example, basic calculus must be included in the provision, which is delivered in compulsory module GG185.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Learning and teaching methods

The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about the learning and teaching methods used on the course.

Full-time students take modules amounting to 120 credits per year, 60 in each semester. A single, 10-credit module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied over a 15-week semester. A typical 10-credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions, normally two or three hours per week, and guided independent study, including time spent in preparing and completing assessment tasks.

Students engage in a range of learning and teaching opportunities including lectures, laboratory-based practical classes, workshops and small group work, seminar and poster presentations, and fieldwork including field-based classes and guided independent study. Sound analytical capabilities, problem solving and decision taking are encouraged and developed throughout the course.

The learning and teaching strategy at Level 4 is designed to facilitate students’ learning in their new undergraduate academic environment and to encourage them to be responsible, self managing and resourceful. Modules such as GY131 Global Environmental Issues and Management and GG112 The Global Earth System rely upon student inputs via seminars, tutorials and practical classes for their intrinsic character. The compulsory mathematical and statistical modules at Level 4 combine lectures, workshops and tutorial methods in each week in equal measure.

Compulsory residential fieldwork at Levels 4 and 5 provide opportunities for guided investigations within small groups and in environments substantially contrasting to the classroom/ laboratory. Generally, learning and teaching methods at Levels 5 and 6 are designed to encourage greater analytical and applied skills and thereby make greater use of case study and workplace investigations, student led seminars, and reflective participation in workshops.

Learning and teaching opportunities based on student-centered learning reach their peak at Level 6 in the 40-credit Project, which can be in either Geography or Geology. This is a substantially independent research project negotiated, designed and completed under the supervision of an individual tutor.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods

The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about how the course is assessed.

A variety of forms of assessment are used on the course to assess students’ knowledge and skills. Both formative and summative feedback on assessment is given in all modules. A number of modules include the opportunity for students to obtain formative feedback on a draft piece of work before submitting the final piece version for summative marking. This is particularly true for final year students where a module may be assessed by one piece of in depth work.

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The following definitions of the assessment types included in the course are included within the Geography & Geology Division Skills Handbook issued to all students:

• Examination/Test (including open book, seen and unseen examinations): a demonstration of knowledge, understanding, analytical skill and ability to apply knowledge.

• Essay: a demonstration of understanding, analytical and written communication skills.

• Presentation/Poster: a demonstration of oral and/or visual communication skills and the ability

to present a coherent argument. Demonstration of IT skills.

• Project (including individual, group work and dissertations): a demonstration of independent

research skills and written communication skills.

• Portfolio (including article reviews): a demonstration of reflective engagement in workshop

activities, reflective reading skills, and written communication skills.

• Report (including laboratory reports, field reports and consultancy reports): a demonstration of

reporting and written communication skills. Laboratory reports additionally demonstrate

laboratory skills whilst field reports demonstrate field and group research skills. Consultancy

reports demonstrate the ability to synthesis quantitative and qualitative data and present it in a

commercially acceptable way.

• Seminar presentation: a demonstration of knowledge, understanding, verbal communication,

presentation skills, and ability to respond to questioning.

A number of transferable skills, such as self-motivation and communication, are embedded within the primary modes of delivery of learning and are not necessarily separately assessed. However, satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills are developed to an appropriate level.

Coursework deadlines are published at the start of each semester within the module briefs to ensure that students are able to plan their time in order to manage the completion of assessments to deadlines.

Students are made aware of the assessment requirements of the course through the Module, Course and Skills Handbooks issued at the outset. These are also available on the student Intranet system. Module tutors at the start of each semester confirm the assessment requirements. Detailed descriptions of the criteria on which students will be assessed are confirmed by tutors in relation to the specific piece of assessment and the Skills Handbook contains similar detail in relation to overall degree class criteria. Students receive regular feedback on performance through module and personal tutors. Whenever possible, prompt feedback on course work will be returned to students within four weeks of the handing-in dates to provide feedback, and to improve and motivate learning. All students are required to see personal tutors at the beginning of each semester to overview performance in the previous semester.

The precise distribution of assessment types at each level varies with the choice of option modules. Greater student choice is available at Levels 5 and 6 making the distribution of assessment types more variable.

Assessment criteria

The standard University of Brighton criteria for undergraduate programmes are used for assessment and grading. These criteria are included within the Geography & Geology Division Skills Handbook issued to all students. Where criteria for specific items of assessment differ from these requirements, full details are published within the module briefs issued to students.

Indicative criteria used for assessment and grading are available in the Student handbook, mapped against award classification (as identified within University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations). These criteria are included within the Geography and Geology Division Skills Handbook issued to all students. Where criteria for specific items of assessment differ from these requirements, full details are published within the module brief issued to students.

Learning Outcome Assessment Method Module Number of Credits

The role of earth surface processes in shaping the

Examination/Test, Essay, Seminar presentation,

GY111, GG110, GG112, GY212,

110

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landscape in a range of environments from polar to arid

Portfolio, Report, Seminar presentation

GY218, , GY316, GY326, GY328, GY367

The processes of, and evidence for, past environmental change and landscape evolution

Examination/Test, Essay, Seminar presentation, Portfolio, Report, Seminar presentation

GY111, GG112, GY217, AQ222, AQ324, , GY316, GY328, GY326, GY367

110

The issues surrounding contemporary environmental problems and approaches to their management


GY131, GG111, GY231, GY235, GY236, GG203, GY324, GY336

90

The operation of ecological and biogeographical systems and measures to ensure their conservation


GY111, GG111, GY216, GY231, GG310, GY324

70

The principles underpinning geological science, geological time concepts, processes of formation and evidence for the origin of rocks

Examination/Test, Essay, Seminar presentation, Portfolio, Report, Practical worksheets, Laboratory coursework

GG110, GG112, GG202, GG203, GG211, GG304, GG310, GG313

80

The processes of evolution of life on Earth and the development of fundamental time framework for the planetary system

Examination/Test, Essay, Seminar presentation, Laboratory coursework

GG110, GG205, AQ225, AQ324, GG304, GG305

60

The application of geological science to major Earth issues including earth resources, groundwater, geohazards and construction

Examination/Test, Essay, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report, Practical worksheets

GG112, GG203, GG211, GG214, GG301, GG302, GG306, GG309, GG312

90

The operation and use of geographical and geological tools and techniques for data acquisition, analysis and interpretation

Seminar presentation, Portfolio, Report, Field notebook, Practical worksheets, Laboratory coursework

GY136, GG110, GG185, AQ222, GY271, GY274, GY296, GG213, GG214, GG306, GG309, GG390, GY374

160

Develop a reasoned and critical argument through the integration and interpretation of primary and secondary materials

Examination/Test, Project, Seminar presentation, Portfolio, Report, Bibliographic writing exercise, Project

GY111, GY131, AQ122, GG112, AQ225, AQ222, GY235, GY236, GY296, GG213, AQ324, GY390 or GG390

160

Generate geographical and geological research questions and to identify and use appropriate methods in reaching and reporting conclusions

Project, Seminar presentation, Poster presentation, Report

GG110, GY296, GG213, GG390 or GY390

90

Critically evaluate evidence, ideas and theoretical standpoints within a breadth of geographical and geological contexts

Examination/Test, Essay, Project, Seminar presentation, Portfolio, Report

all modules but especially: GG112, GG202, GY296, GY390 or GG390

70

Undertake a deeper approach to learning and understanding

Project, Seminar presentation all modules but especially GG390 or GY390

40

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Understand the constructed and dynamic nature of all knowledge

Examination/Test, Seminar presentation, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report, Project

all modules but especially: GG304, GG305, GY390 or GG390

60

Collect, interpret, synthesise and present different types of geographical and geological data

Examination/Test, Essay, Project, Seminar presentation, Field notebook, Report, Field map, Laboratory coursework

all modules but especially: GG110, GG112, GG160, GY216, GY296, GG211, GG214, GG306, GY390 or GG390

120

Understand the concept of, and importance of, sustainability in the management of Earth resources

Examination/Test, Portfolio, Laboratory coursework

GY131, GY136, GG111, GG112, GG203, GY316, GY335, GG309, GG310, GG312

110

Prepare effective maps and diagrams using appropriate approaches and technologies

Examination/Test, Essay, Group presentation, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report, Laboratory coursework

GG110, GG185, GY271, GG211, GG213, GY375

60

Work safely and effectively in laboratory and field contexts

Project, Seminar presentation, Report, Risk assessment

GG106, GY111, GY216, GY296, GG211, GG213, GG214, GG309, GG390 or GY390

150

Understand the basic theoretical, philosophical and methodological issues relating to qualitative and quantitative research

Examination/Test, Project, Group presentation, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report, Project

GG181, GG185, GY271, GG205, GG211, GG213, GY375, GY390 or GG390

120

Identify a geographical or geological topic or issue, to investigate it through an appropriately planned, designed and implemented research project, and to present the findings as project report using reasoned argument to draw clear conclusions

Project, Individual presentation, Poster presentation, Report

GG213, GY390 or GG390

60

Communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing, verbally, and graphically

Examination/Test, Project, Group presentation, Individual presentation, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report

all modules but especially:

GY131, GG112, GY235, GY236, GY271, GG202, GG205, GG390 or GY390

120

Collect, record, analyse and present data of various forms using appropriate analytical techniques

Examination/Test, Project, Group presentation, Field Map, Field notebook, Laboratory coursework, Report

GG103, GG105, GG110, GG112, GG160, GG185, GG203, GG213, GG214, GY271, GY274, GY296, GY374, GY375, GY390 or GG390

200

Learn and study independently, to take responsibility for the management of independent investigation and learning, and to plan time effectively

Essay, Project, Group presentation, Individual presentation, Poster presentation, Map report, Field notebook, Report

all modules but especially: GY131, GG106, GG110, GG160,

110

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GY296, GG213, GG390 or GY390

Work and communicate effectively as part of a team

Project, Group presentation, Poster presentation, Field map, Report

GY131, GG160, GY235, GY296, GG305, GG306, GG309

90

Demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate IT packages to find, explore, develop and present numbers, text and images

Examination/Test, Project, Individual presentation, Group presentation, Poster presentation

GY136, GG181, GG185, GY271, GY274, GG211, GY374, GY375, GG312, GG390 or GY390

130

Use appropriate techniques for job-seeking and information acquisition for life-long learning

Individual presentation, Report GG213 20

Demonstrate an appreciation of the broader environmental, professional and academic contexts of their learning

Examination/Test, Project, Group presentation, Individual presentation, Poster presentation, Portfolio, Report

all modules but especially: GY136, GG112, GY236, GG213, GG301, GG302, GG309, GG310

90

SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Institutional/University

All students benefit from:

University Welcome Week

The University of Brighton Student Contract: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-

here/student-contract.aspx

Extensive library facilities, which include:

Extended opening hours (until 2am each day in term time and 24 hours during

exam revision periods)

Help Desk - enquiries, IT support

Information Adviser, Joyce Storey and Assistant Information Adviser who

support the School

The Online Library web portal providing access to thousands of full text

electronic journals and e-books which are accessible 24/7

Resource discovery tools - OneSearch, library catalogue

870 individual study spaces equipped with 450 network points for personal

laptops, and 14 bookable group study rooms.

Wireless access throughout the whole library

181 open access PCs, 24 loanable laptops, colour and black and white

networked printing, scanning and photocopying facilities,

Computer pool rooms (including 181 workstations and network points for personal PCs in the Aldrich library). Computer pool rooms (over 200 workstations and a further 450 network points for personal PCs in the library). All are linked to the University network and SuperJANET services and have a daily user support help desk).

Email, file storage, studentcentral (virtual learning environment), UniCard and free access to Microsoft Office 365 for the duration of studies.

Student Services, which includes:

Chaplaincy

Childcare facilities

Counselling service

Disability and Dyslexia Team

https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/student-contract.aspx

https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/student-contract.aspx

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Student Advice Service (finance, immigration, international student support)

Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT)

A service that provides confidential and non-judgmental support and advice to students across a range of academic, personal, financial and other issues. Provides direct support through informal drop in sessions and one-to-one meetings and guidance on accessing further help.

Personal Academic Tutor

Accommodation Office

Careers Service (including Graduate Toolkit, Active Student volunteering, Work Placements)

Student Contract (terms and conditions)

Student Charter (relationship between the university, the students union and students)

Course-specific:

In addition, students on this course benefit from:

Handbooks and Guidance Notes

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology Course Handbook

Geography & Geology Division Skills Handbook

Geology Project Handbook / Independent Project Handbook

Guidance Notes for Fieldwork and Laboratory Safety

Placement Guidelines

Academic and Administrative Support

Course Leader who monitors academic and personal progress of students on the course

Personal Tutor for providing academic advice, personal guidance, and references to support applications for employment / further education

University Intranet (‘studentcentral’) that hosts supplementary learning resources in support of modules as well as providing links to additional resources

School administrative support for module registration and transcripts of results

Student Services and Geography & Geology Division Placement Support officers

Students on placement normally receive two planned visits from a designated Placement Tutor to support learning and progress in the workplace

Library-based Course Resources Officer who works with staff and students to enable access to paper-based and electronic resources

Campus based Information Services support who work with staff and students to enable access to, and use of, Information Technology facilities

Specialist Facilities

Computer rooms on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th floors of Cockcroft and the 2nd floor of

Watts in which there are networked terminals running GIS, Remote Sensing and

Image Analysis software (ArcGIS, MultiSpec, ImageJ, ENVI). Other software

available includes AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Matlab, Microsoft

Office, MiniTab, Powerproject, Rhino, and Solidworks.

Dedicated Geology Laboratory with visualizer, audio and twin projectors; 85+

petrological teaching microscopes, 2 Meiji petrological microscopes with

reflected light, 45 Motic stereomicroscopes; extensive rock, mineral and fossil

samples, ore deposit sample suites, and extensive collection of rock thin sections

Research quality Nikon stereomicroscope; 3 Nikon petrological microscopes

with SLR attachment and 1 with video attachment; Leica petrological microscope

with image analysis software;

Geochemical Analytical Laboratory, with muffle furnace, analytical balances,

Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, Total Organic Carbon

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Analyser, Gas Chromatograph, Ion Chromotograph, Malvern Mastersizer 2000

laser particle size analyser, Horiba Laser Particle Size Analyser, Veolia Water

Purifying system, pH meters and auto Titrator.

Soil and Sediment Analysis Laboratory, with drying ovens, sediment sieving

facilities, top pan balances,25kn(x1) and 50kn(x2) triaxial cells for permeability

tests and failure analysis, geotechnical centrifuge capable of exerting pressures of

300g on a 25kg load package (soil consolidation and failure mode)

Workshop facilities to make bespoke/modify existing field equipment

Fluid inclusion analysis microscope with heating and freezing stage

Equipment for solid-state geochemical analysis: Energy-dispersive X- Ray

Fluorescence Spectrometer and sample preparation equipment; Two Portable X-

Ray Fluorescence metals analysers for field and lab based rapid analyses,

Canberra Well-type Gamma Spectrometer

Equipment for bulk mineralogical analysis: X-Ray Diffraction Spectrometer

(Panalytical X’Pert Pro)

X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer for surface chemistry analysis of materials

Scanning Electron Microscopy facility with dedicated technician support

Equipment for field-based geophysical surveying: Geonics EM31 ground

conductivity meter; Geomatrix Gamma Surveyor field gamma ray spectrometer,

Magnetic Gradiometer

Environment & Public Health Laboratory equipped with bench top spectrophotometers for basic water chemistry, membrane filtration equipment with central vacuum system, PCR, qPCR thermal cyclers and gel electrophoresis equipment for genetic analysis and gene quantification, analytical balances, incubators and sterilisation equipment for public health microbiology procedures. Extensive reference collection of viruses and bacteria.

Hydraulics Laboratory, with Gunt 10m x 0.4m recirculating flume with sediment

transport system and interchangeable weirs, wave tank with adjustable beach and

programmable wave paddle, 5m x 4m river basin for river/floodplain simulation, 2

x 2m flumes with interchangeable weirs.

Environmental Simulation Laboratory with 6m x 4m hydraulic stream table

Surveying equipment consisting of 30 total stations, 30 quickset levels, 3 dGPS

systems, 25 hand held GPS and a Leica 3d scanner with dedicated technical

support

Field collection equipment including, corers, automatic water samplers,

geophysical monitoring equipment, water quality probes, air quality probes, soil

kits, spades, trowels;

Biology Project Laboratory, with access to Skye quantum sensors and data

loggers, dissecting and compound microscopes, research- quality compound

microscope linked to digital still and video cameras, controlled temperate and

light growth cabinets, Delta-T leaf area meter, Shimadzu UV-spectrophotometers,

Minolta SPAD chlorophyll meter, Hansatech plant efficiency analyser, drying

ovens, sterile culture rooms, balances, greenhouses, Microtox system, aquaria.

Dedicated department 4x4 field vehicle and Van.

Education for Sustainable Development

The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. Aspects of Geography and Geology are central to identifying and providing scientific solutions to current and future problems. For example, understanding the debate about anthropogenic-induced climate change requires knowledge of the rate and extent of natural variations in climate in the past, which can be interpreted from geological records. Remediation of anthropogenic damage to the environment, for example from past mining and mineral processing activities, involve methods based on applications of geochemistry and mineralogy.

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These are topics are covered in modules such as Environmental Geochemistry (GG214) and Earth Resources (GG203).

In the third year of the course, optional module GG309 Environmental Geology / Professional Practice prominently features education on sustainable development. The case study used in this intensive study module involves an underground investigation of the sustainability of aquifer recharge using municipal wastewater. Students develop an understanding of the relationships between geological structure, hydrology and water chemistry and the importance of microbial processes that ‘purify’ groundwater. They are also involved in a role-play ‘public meeting’ where issues of social and environmental responsibility are discussed in the context of long-term sustainability and the need for constructing boreholes that may cause short-term damage to the natural and human environment.

Graduates of the BSc Physical Geography & Geology course are thus well equipped to make a significant contribution to ensuring that future generations not only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.

Research Informed Teaching

The BSc Physical Geography & Geology course is delivered by research-active academic staff, and specialist aspects of the curriculum reflect the research interests of these staff. Many of the second and third year modules in both Geology and Geography are delivered by staff who are active in research and publication in their respective fields. This level of integration is particularly true for final year Projects, where students spend an extended period of time undertaking research with one member of staff.

Students are assisted and encouraged throughout the course to develop their own research skills, starting with first year skills-development modules such as ‘Geology of Your Home Area’ and culminating in the final year Project. Specialist skills sessions are scheduled in the second and third years to support their independent work for the Project.

Staff benefit from links with the Higher Education Academy’s GEES (Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences) Subject Centre, and individual staff have undertaken GEES-supported pedagogic research on tools to support teaching of Geology at university level.

PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

COURSE STRUCTURE

This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.

The full time course is studied over 3 years of 32 weeks per year. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each of 16 weeks. An optional placement year (a minimum of 32 weeks of study) may be undertaken between Levels 5 and 6 (Years 2 and 3 for full time study). Study is undertaken at Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the national qualifications framework, and is divided into modules. The standard value of a single module is 10 credits (equivalent to 100 hours learning) and the structure allows the use of multiples of this (for example the final year Project module is awarded 40 credits/400 hours). Full-time students study for 120 credits (12 modules) each year, beginning at Level 4 and progressing through Levels 5 and 6. A student will normally obtain 120 credits at each level before progressing to the next, however, at the discretion of the Courses Examination Board, up to 20 credits may be trailed from the previous level.

At Level 4, all students on the course take compulsory modules in physical geography, environmental geography, geology and mathematical, statistical and geographic/geologic skills amounting to 120 credits. Students can choose whether to take GG103 Igneous & Metamorphic Rocks, or GG111 The Ocean Planet, bearing in mind that if they do not take GG103 they cannot take GG210 at Level 5 and GG313 at Level 6 (GG210 is Igneous and Metamorphic Processes, GG313 is Global Petrogenesis).

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At levels 5 and 6, students are able to choose from the available modules in Geology and in physical/environmental Geography. At Level 5 students will normally take 40 credits of Geology modules and 40 credits of physical/environmental Geography modules, however subject to approval by the Course Leader this may be changed provided that at least 30 credits are studied in each subject area. Similarly at Level 6, in addition to the 40-credit Project, students will normally take at least 30 credits of Geology modules and at least 30 credits of physical/environmental Geography modules.

At each Level students can take an option module or modules outside the Physical Geography and Geology subject area. This allows them to broaden their study or engage in further specialization, for example by taking a foreign language, or another science subject, or by studying Geography modules in subject areas other than physical/environmental Geography. At Level 5, such students must take the modules Geographical Information Systems 1 (GY271) and Research and Careers Skills for Geoscientists (GG213) and therefore cannot take option modules in either semester (i.e. all Level 5 modules must be from the list of Geology and physical/environmental Geography modules). Students must undertake at least 2 weeks of fieldwork in their final year Project, whether this is GG390 (Geology Project) or GY390 (Independent Project, i.e. a geography topic).

Part-time students follow the same progression pattern in being required to complete each level before proceeding to the next, though at the discretion of the Course Leader, some modules at a higher level may be studied to achieve a balanced program. Part-time students may study a maximum of five modules in a semester and are advised to maintain a minimum rate of two in each semester in order to maintain a satisfactory rate of study.

The module structure of the course is shown in Table 1 (at the end of this document). The available modules and their status is indicated below. Optional modules are selected in consultation with the Course Leader and are subject to timetabling and staffing availability.

Modules

Status:

M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)

C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)

O = Optional (optional modules)

C1 = Compulsory to take either GG103 or GG111

C2 = Compulsory to take either GG390 or GY390.

Oc = Compulsory to take at least one of the modules GG203, GG210, GG211

Level7

Module code

Status Module title Credit

4 GY111 C Fundamentals of Physical Geography 20

4 GY131 C Global Environmental Issues and Management 20

4 GG105 C Mineralogy and Petrology 10

4 GG110 C Fundamentals of Geology 10

4 GG112 C The Global Earth System 10

4 GG103 C1 Igneous & Metamorphic Rocks 10

4 GG111 C1 The Ocean Planet: An Introduction 10

4 GG160 C Introduction to Field Geology [Pembrokeshire] 10

4 GG106 C Geology Field Course, Yorkshire 10

4 GG181 C Mathematical Skills for Geoscientists 10

4 GG185 C Data presentation and analysis for Geoscientists 10

4 AQ122 O Introduction to Archaeology 10

Shading indicates optional modules that are only available to students with Mathematics A-level grade C or equivalent who elect to not take modules GG181.

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4 GY136 O Introduction to Environmental Hazards 10

4 GY185 O Discovering Geospatial Data 10

4 GG104 O Interpreting Geological Maps 10

4 GG108 O Geology of your Home Area 10

4 BY116 O Physiological Ecology 10

4 BY132 O Evolutionary Biology 10

4 BY136 O Habitat Ecology 10

4 CH114 O Introduction to Environmental Chemistry 10

4 CH122 O Elements of Chemistry 10

5 GG213 C Research and Career Skills for Geoscientists 20

5 GG205 C Applied Palaeontology 10

5 GY296 C Geography Fieldwork, Sicily 20

5 GY271 C Introduction to GIS and Spatial Data Analysis 10

5 AQ225 O Human Origins and Evolution 10

5 AQ222 O Human Environmental Dynamics during the Holocene: Geoarchaeology

10

5 GY212 O Water in the Landscape 10

5 GY216 O Soil and Water Analysis 10

5 GY217 O Ice Age Earth 10

5 GY218 O Coastal and Aeolian Landscapes 10

5 GY231 O Environmental Conservation and Management 10

5 GY232 O Environmental Pollution & Control 10

5 GY235 O Environmental Hazards 10

5 GY236 O Climate Change 10

5 GY250 O Sustainable Development 10

5 GY274 O Introduction to Remote Sensing 10

5 GG202 O Structure of the Earth and Global Processes 10

5 GG203 Oc Earth Resources 10

5 GG206 O Structural Geology 10

5 GG210 Oc Igneous and Metamorphic Processes 10

5 GG211 Oc Sedimentology 10

5 GG214 O Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry 10

5 GG218 O Geological Mapping Field Course 10

SW GY380 O Placement 10

6 GY390 C2 Independent Project 40

6 GG390 C2 Geology Project 40

6 AQ324 O Humans of Ice Age Britain 10

6 AQ302 O The Archaeology of Roman Britain 10

6 GY316 O Environmental Change in Low Latitudes 10

6 GY324 O Wetland Environments 10

6 GY326 O Coastal Environments 10

6 GY327 O Freshwater Processes & Ecosystems 10

6 GY328 O Cold Environments: Processes and Landsystems 10

6 GY335 O Environmental Impact Assessment 10

6 GY336 O Air Quality Management 10

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6 GY339 O Water and Health 10

6 GY341 O Waste Management 10

6 GY355 O Medical Geography 10

6 GY372 O Independent Study Module 10

6 GY373 O Introduction to Remote Sensing 10

6 GY374 O Applied Remote Sensing 10

6 GY375 O Geographical Information Systems 2 10

6 GY376 O Active Remote Sensing: Radar and Lidar in the Geosciences

10

6 GG301 O Geohazards 10

6 GG302 O Geology of Major Civil Engineering Projects 10

6 GG304 O Planetary Geology 10

6 GG305 O Evolution and the Fossil Record 10

6 GG306 O Exploration Geology 10

6 GG309 O Environmental Geology / Professional Practice 10

6 GG310 O Oceanography 10

6 GG313 O Global Petrogenesis 10

6 GG312 O Hydrogeology 10

6 CH321 O Case Studies in Environmental Pollution 10

6 CH327 O Advanced Analytical Methodology 20

6 FR/GE/SPxxx

O French, German or Spanish Language Modules; - See information provided under ‘My Division Geography and Geology’ on Student Central

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AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION

Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award

Total credits8 Minimum credits9 Ratio of marks10: Class of award

Final BSc

(Hons)

Physical Geography and Geology

6 Total credit 360 Minimum credit at level of award 90

Minimum credit at level of award 90

Honours degree

Final BSc (Hons)

Physical Geography and Geology (Sandwich)


Level 6 and level 5 marks in ratio 75:25 (See also “specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course”, below)

Honours degree

(Sandwich mode)

Intermediate BSc Physical Geography and Geology



Degree

Intermediate DipHE Physical Geography and Geology



Not applicable

Intermediate CertHE Physical Geography and Geology



Not applicable

*Foundation degrees only

Progression routes from award:

Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate11 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS)

70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction

60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit

50% - 59.99% Pass

Lower second (2:2) Pass

40% - 49.99% Third (3)

8 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 9 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 10 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 11 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.

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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.

The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).

Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course

In line with the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR).

Students may be permitted to study up to two modules, usually other than those which are a normal component of the course, either one Level above or one Level below current Level of study. Students would not be permitted to include two Level 4 modules in a Level 6 programme, except in the case of L4 language modules which are part of a language course that a student is continuing at L6.

The Degree classification for Awards in the Sandwich mode for (Hons) students is calculated using the following process:

The credits from the placement module (GY380) and the level 6 project module (GG390 or GY390) MUST be counted, making 50 credits at level 6. The best 70 of the remaining credits studied at level 6 will also be included, to make a total of 120 credits. The credit-weighted average mark for this combination of modules will contribute 75% of the marks towards the degree classification.

The credit-weighted average mark of the best 120 credits studied at level 5 will contribute the remaining 25% of marks towards the degree classification

Exceptions required by PSRB

The BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London (Table 1). The modules that a student following the course should study in order to meet accreditation requirements are described in the Programme Structure section (above).

NEXT PAGE: Table 1: BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology – Programme of Study.


Modules are 10 credits except where indicated otherwise. *At least one of these 3 modules must be taken. ‡GG218 is only available if GG206 is also taken.

Level 4 Sem 1

GY111

Fundamentals of Physical

Geography

(20 credits)

GY131

Global Environmental

Issues and Management

(20 credits)

GG110

Fundamentals of Geology

GG105

Mineralogy and Petrology

GG181

Mathematical Skills for Geoscientists

GG160

Introduction to Field Geology

Sem 2 GG112

The Global

Earth System

* GG103 Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks OR GG111 The Ocean Planet

GG185

Data presentation and analysis for Geoscientists

GG106

Geology field course, Yorkshire

Level 5 Sem 1 30 credits of Level 5 Archaeology / Geography modules (all 10 credits) from a selection including:

GY212 Water in the Landscape GY216 Soil and Water Analysis GY218 Coastal and Aeolian Processes

30 credits of Level 5 Geology modules (all 10 credits) from (*must include at least 1 module):

GG202 Structure of Earth &Global Processes GG210 Igneous & Metamorphic Processes* GG211 Sedimentology* GG214 Environmental Geochemistry

GG213 Research and Career Skills for

Geoscientists

(20 credits)

Sem 2 GY235 Env Hazards GY217 Ice Age Earth GY236 Climate Change

AQ222 Human Environmental Dynamics during the Holocene: Geoarchaeology

AQ225 Human Origins and Evolution

GY271

Introduction to GIS and Spatial Data

Analysis

GY296

Geography Fieldwork, Sicily

20 Credits

GG205

Applied Palaeontology

GG203 Earth Resources* GG206 Structural Geology GG218 ‡ Geological Mapping Field Course

Placement Year (optional) GY380 (10 credits)

Level 6 Sem 1 &

Sem 2

3 Level 6 Archaeology / Geography modules from (all 10 credits):

GY316 Environmental Change in Low Latitudes

3 Level 6 Geology modules from (all 10 credits):

GG301 Geohazards GG302 Geology of Major Civil Engineering Projects

GY390 Independent Project

OR

Option in Science, Geology, Geography

or Language


GY324 Wetland Environments GY326 Coastal Environments GY237 Freshwater Processes & Ecosystems GY335 Environment Impact Assessment GY339 Water and Health GY374 Applied Remote Sensing GY375 GIS 2 AQ324 Humans of Ice Age Britain

GG304 Planetary Geology GG305 Evolution & Fossil Record GG306 Exploration Geology GG309 Environmental Geology / Professional Practice GG310 Oceanography GG312 Hydrogeology GG313 Global Petrogenesis

GG390 Geology Project

(40 credit module)

Must incorporate a minimum of 4 weeks fieldwork

Option in Science, Geology, Geography,

Archaeology or Language

programme specification……. physical geography and ... · certificate of he in physical...

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