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MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction / Course details
Year of entry: 2024
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Course unit details:
Environmental Change & Reconstruction 1: Concepts in Stratigraphy and Geochronology
| Unit code | GEOG60111 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Provide an understanding of environmental reconstruction using a variety of different sedimentological and geomorphological records
Aims
This Unit aims to:
- Provide training in environmental reconstruction using a variety of different sedimentological and geomorphological records
- Teach students concepts and principles of stratigraphy
- Provide an opportunity for utilising skills in stratigraphical, sedimentological and geomorphological techniques in the field
- Teach students the theory and application of techniques in geochronology which can be used to date a variety of different sedimentological and geomorphological records
Syllabus
Summary of content (subject to revision and scheduling)
1. Introduction to Environmental Change and Reconstruction.
2. Stratigraphy in environmental reconstruction.
3. Methods in environmental reconstruction I – Geomorphology.
4. Methods in environmental reconstruction II – Sedimentology.
5. Chronology I - 14C dating.
6. Chronology II – Cosmogenic dating.
7. Chronology III – OSL dating.
8. Chronology III – OSL dating workshop.
9. Fieldtrip
10. Coursework Essay 2 surgery.
Teaching and learning methods
The classes will be delivered via lectures and laboratory and field demonstrations. Course materials will be delivered via Blackboard. In addition, there will be opportunities for one-to-one consultation with lecturers in their office hours.
Knowledge and understanding
Utilise geomorphological and sedimentological records for reconstructing environmental change.
Apply the principles of stratigraphy (subdivision, ordering and correlation) in environmental reconstruction.
Reconstruct environmental change using sedimentological and geomorphological records.
Choose appropriate geochronological techniques (optically stimulated luminescence, radiocarbon, and cosmogenic exposure dating) for dating geomorphological and sedimentological records of environmental change.
Intellectual skills
Students will be able to critically assess different records of environmental change (e.g. glacial, fluvial, lacustrine, peatlands) and the problems associated with using such records for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.
Students will be able to critically evaluate the nature of different dating techniques (geochronology) for different record of environmental change with reference to published literature.
Practical skills
Students will be able to write reports/essays, including information accessed from access digital and library resources.
They will gain experience, through demonstrations, of laboratory techniques in environmental reconstruction.
Students will be shown how to make stratigraphical, sedimentological and geomorphological observations in the field, including case study examples and demonstrations of field techniques in practice.
They will be trained in data handling and numerical skills.
Students will also develop their skills in research design.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Accreditation
Assessment methods
Assessment activity | Length required | Weighting within unit |
| Discussion | Formative |
| 1500 words
| 50%
|
| 1500 words | 50% |
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 6 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 124 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Anna Hughes | Unit coordinator |