Environmental Research Skills (BSc Geog) (F8512)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

On this module, you’ll learn how to obtain primary scientific data using a range of fieldwork, laboratory analytical and ICT methods to help you to address specific research questions.

These methods will be part of a wider research context as they are embedded in a series of lectures and workshops about:

• tree poulations
• carbon sequestration
• GIS
• environmental microclimate
• soils.

This preparation includes: 

• an introduction to the scientific method
• collecting samples
• using statistics to analyse your data
• writing a scientific report
• critically reflecting on error.

Some of your field and laboratory work will be based around a single study-site off campus to explain the coupling amongst numerous environmental parameters and processes.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 54 hours of contact time and about 96 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Geography BSc
• Geography, Sustainable Development and Climate Change BSc