UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION ADC/ASC/FINAL
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Awarding body University of Brighton
School School of Environment and Technology
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering
Partner institution(s)
Course status Validated June 1998
Host Department Geography and Geology
Location of Study/campus Moulsecoomb Campus
Professional, Statutory and Geological Society of London (pathway accredited January 2006)
Regulatory Body HEFCE GEES Benchmark
Award and titles Award Title
Final award BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology
Intermediate award BSc (unclassified) Geography and Geology
Intermediate award DipHE Geography and Geology
Intermediate award CertHE Geography and Geology
Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Max registration period
Full-time 3 years 8 years
Sandwich 4 years 10 years
Part Time 6 years 8 years
Distance N/A N/A
Start date for programme 09/1999
Course codes/categories
JACS code
UCAS code FF86
QAA Subject Benchmark Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences & Environmental Studies
CATS points for course 360 credits
Admissions Agency
UCAS X
GTTR
NMAS
Direct to School
Admissions criteria
280 points from a minimum of one 12 unit or two 6 unit qualifications. A-level subjects should
include a relevant science. Level 3 Key Skills, General Studies will count towards the tariff score.
Plus at least 3 GCSE subjects including English language and mathematics or a science. IB: 30
points in specified subjects. QAA approved access course. HNC/HND direct entry into Level 5.
Mature students after interview.
Contacts
Course Leader Dr Norman Moles
Admissions Tutor Dr Norman Moles
Examination and Assessment
External Examiner(s) Prof. John Cosgrove
Examination Board(s) Geography and Geology
(AEB/CEB)
Approval/start dates
Approval date Review date
Validation 1998
Programme Specification July 2010 July 2011
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Aims: The aims of the programme are:
The overall aim of the BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology degree 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 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;
Introduce students to a range of geographical and geological skills including
fieldwork, laboratory and IT, together with transferable skills including oral
and written communication, teamwork, interpretation and analysis of
qualitative and quantitative data, critical analysis and problem-solving;
Provide an opportunity for students to develop additional skills in areas such
as languages, science and environmental studies.
DipHE 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 in
small groups;
Provide students with an opportunity to place their subject-specific and
wider learning within the context of employment opportunities and career
planning.
BSc Hons will additionally:
Learning Knowledge and theory:
outcomes:
The progressive development of knowledge and understanding is an
important feature of the degree programme. Level 4 (the first year for full-
time students) 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 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.
More specifically, students gain knowledge and understanding of the
following areas. The extent to which individual students develop
understanding of particular areas varies depending upon module selection
beyond the compulsory modules taken at Level 4 (see Section 4 -
Programme Structure):
The role of earth surface processes in shaping the landscape in a range of
environments from polar to arid (e.g. GY111, GG110, GY212, GY218,
GY324, GY326);
The processes of, and evidence for, past environmental change and landscape
evolution (e.g. GY111, GG112, GY217, GY316);
The issues surrounding contemporary environmental problems and
approaches to their management (e.g. GY131, GG111, GY231, GY235,
GY236, GY323, GY324, GY336);
The operation of ecological and biogeographical systems and measures to
ensure their conservation (e.g. GY111, GG111, GY216, GY231, GY324);
The principles underpinning geological science, geological time concepts,
processes of formation and evidence for the origin of rocks (e.g. GG110,
GG112, GG202, GG203, GG212, GG304, GG313);
The processes of evolution of life on Earth and the development of
fundamental time framework for the planetary system (e.g. GG110, GG205,
GG304, GG305);
The application of geological science to major Earth issues including earth
resources, groundwater, geohazards and construction (e.g. GG112, GG203,
GG211, GG214, GG301, GG302, GG306, GG309, GG312);
The operation and use of geographical and geological tools and techniques
for data acquisition, analysis and interpretation (e.g. GY136, GG108, QS118,
GY271, GY274, GY296, GY272 or GG213, GG214, GG306, GG309,
GY374);
The application and evaluation of research techniques in geography and
geology (e.g. GG110, GY272 or GG213, GY296, GG390 or GY390).
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
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
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 (between 22 and
48 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 110 credits. The remaining 10 credits comprise an optional module (on
the non-accredited route – explained in the following paragraph). 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).
At levels 5 and 6, students are able to exercise considerable choice amongst 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 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.
The number of option modules is dependent on whether the Geological Society accredited
pathway is followed (Table 1) or a non-accredited route is followed (Table 2). The
requirements for the accredited degree are that students must take the semester 2 Geology
Field Course at Level 4 (GG106) and so cannot take an option module in their Level 4 year.
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). For the accredited degree,
students must also undertake 4 weeks of fieldwork in their final year Project, whether
GG390 or GY390. However students taking the accredited degree pathway are able to take
up to two option modules at Level 6 (i.e. modules other than Geology and physical/
environmental Geography modules) in the same way as students not following the
accredited pathway.
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 below. Optional modules are selected in
consultation with the Course Leader and are subject to timetabling and staffing availability.
*Status: C = Compulsory, O = Optional, O or Ca = Compulsory for Accredited Pathway,
optional for non-accredited course. C1 = Compulsory to take either GG103 or GG111.
Notes: Cb Students on open (non-accredited) route should take either GG213 or GY272;
c
Level 4 Status* Module Title Credit
(module
codes)
GY111 C Fundamentals of Physical Geography 20
GY131 C Global Environmental Issues and Management 20
GG105 C Mineralogy and Petrology 10
GG110 C Fundamentals of Geology 10
GG112 C The Global Earth System 10
GG111 C1 The Ocean Planet: An Introduction 10
GG103 C1 Igneous & Metamorphic Rocks 10
GG160 C Introduction to Field Geology [Pembrokeshire] 10
QM109 C Mathematical Skills for Geoscientists 10
QS118 C Introduction to Statistics and Quantitative Techniques 10
for Geoscientists
GY136 O An Introduction to Environmental Hazards 10
GY175 O Citizenship for the Environment 10
GG104 O Interpreting Geological Maps 10
GG108 O Geology of your Home Area 10
GG106 O or Ca Geology Field Course, Ingleton 10
BY121 O Ecological Processes 1 10
BY132 O Evolutionary Biology 10
CH114 O Introduction to Environmental Chemistry 10
CH122 O Elements of Chemistry 10
BE122 O Citizenship for the Environment 10
FR111 O French Foundation 1 10
FR112 O French Foundation 1 10
FR121 O French Foundation 2 10
FR122 O French Foundation 2 10
GE111 O German Foundation 1 10
GE112 O German Foundation 1 10
GE121 O German Foundation 2 10
GE122 O German Foundation 2 10
SP111 O Spanish Foundation 1 10
SP112 O Spanish Foundation 1 10
SP121 O Spanish Foundation 2 10
SP122 O Spanish Foundation 2 10
Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Level 5 Status* Module Title Credit
(module
codes)
GY296 C Geography Fieldwork, Sicily 10
GG213 Ca or Cb Research and Career Skills for Geoscientists 20
GY272 Cb Skills for Research and Careers 20
GY271 O or Ca Geographical Information Systems 1 10
GY212 O Water in the Landscape 10
GY216 O Soil and Water Analysis 10
GY217 O Ice Age Earth 10
GY218 O Global Geomorphology 10
GY230 O Environmental & Spatial Planning 10
GY231 O Environmental Conservation and Management 10
GY232 O Environmental Pollution & Control 10
GY235 O Environmental Hazards 10
GY236 O Climate Change 10
GY250 O Sustainable Development 10
GY274 O Introduction to Remote Sensing 10
GG202 O Structure of the Earth and Global Processes 10
GG203 O Earth Resources 10
GG205 O Applied Palaeontology 10
GG206 O Structural Geology 10
GG208 O Geology Field Course, Spain 10
GG210 O Igneous and Metamorphic Processes 10
GG211 O Sedimentology 10
GG214 O Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry 10
GG218 O Geological Mapping Field Course [Anglesey] 10
QS204 O Further Statistics 10
BE242 O Alternative and Renewable Energy 10
BE243 O Independent Study Module 10
BY216 O Evolutionary Ecology 10
BY217 O Biodiversity 10
BY218 O Ecological Techniques 10
BY230 O Ecological Processes 2 10
CH205 O Analytical Methodology 10
CH216 O Instrumental Methods of Analysis 10
FR211 O French Certificate 1 10
FR212 O French Certificate 1 10
FR221 O French Certificate 2 10
FR222 O French Certificate 2 10
GE211 O German Certificate 1 10
GE212 O German Certificate 1 10
GE221 O German Certificate 2 10
GE222 O German Certificate 2 10
SP211 O Spanish Certificate 1 10
SP212 O Spanish Certificate 1 10
SP221 O Spanish Certificate 2 10
SP222 O Spanish Certificate 2 10
Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
Level 6 Status* Module Title Credit
(module
codes)
GG380 O Industry Placement Year 10
(Award: “in Sandwich Mode”)
GY390 Cc Independent Project 40
GG390 Cc Geology Project 40
GY315 O Dryland Environments 10
GY316 O Environmental Change in Low Latitudes 10
GY323 O Hazards in Cold Environments 10
GY324 O Wetland Environments 10
GY325 O Fluvial Geomorphology and Floodplain Management 10
GY326 O Coastal Environments 10
GY327 O Freshwater Processes & Ecosystems 10
GY335 O Environmental Assessment 10
GY336 O Air Quality Management 10
GY339 O Water and Health 10
GY372 O Independent Study Module 10
GY374 O Applied Remote Sensing 10
GY375 O Geographical Information Systems 2 10
GG301 O Geohazards 10
GG302 O Geology of Major Civil Engineering Projects 10
GG304 O Planetary Geology 10
GG305 O Evolution and the Fossil Record 10
GG306 O Exploration Geology 10
GG308 O Geology Field Course, Cyprus 10
GG309 O Environmental Geology / Professional Practice 10
GG310 O Oceanography 10
GG312 O Hydrogeology 10
BE308 O Environmental Performance 10
BE326 O Energy Assessment 10
BY301 O Applied Ecology 10
BY324 O Biogeography 10
BY341 O Astrobiology 10
CH320 O Environmental Chemistry 10
CH321 O Case Studies in Environmental Pollution 10
KC307 O Community and Personal Development 10
FR321 O French Diploma 2 10
FR322 O French Diploma 2 10
GE321 O German Diploma 2 10
GE322 O German Diploma 2 10
SP321 O Spanish Diploma 2 10
SP322 O Spanish Diploma 2 10
Physical and Environmental Geography Geology Skills
Level 4 Sem 1 GG110 GG105 QM109 GG160
GY111 GY131 Fundamentals of Mineralogy and Mathematical Skills Introduction to
Fundamentals of Global Geology Petrology for Geoscientists Field Geology
Physical Environmental [Pembrokeshire]
Geography Issues and
Management
Sem 2 GG112 GG103 Igneous QS118 GG 106
The Global and Metamorphic Statistics and Geology field
Earth System Rocks Quant. Techniques course, Ingleton
for Geoscientists
Level 5 Sem 1 40 credits of Geography modules from: 40 credits of Geology modules from:
GY212 Water in the Landscape GG202 Structure of the Earth & Global Processes
GY216 Soil and Water Analysis GG203 Earth Resources GG205 Applied Palaeontology
GY217 Ice Age Earth GG206 Structural Geology GG213 Research
GY218 Global Geomorphology GG208 Geology Field Course, Spain and Career Skills
GY231 Environ Conservation & Management GG210 Igneous and Metamorphic Processes for Geoscientists
GY232 Environmental Pollution & Control (20 credits)
GY235 Environmental Hazards
GY236 Climate Change
GY250 Sustainable Development
GY274 Intro to Remote Sensing
Sem 2 GG211 Sedimentology GY296 GY271
GG214 Environmental Geography Geographical
Geochemistry Fieldwork, Information
GG218 Geological Sicily Systems 1
Mapping Field Course
Placement Year (optional) GG380 (10 credits)
Level 6 3 Geography modules from: 3 Geology modules from:
GY315 Dryland Environments GG301 Geohazards
GY316 Environmental Change in GG302 Geology of Major Civil GY390 Independent Project
Low Latitudes Engineering Projects
GY323 Hazards in Cold Environs GG304 Planetary Geology OR
Sem 1 GY324 Wetland Environments GG305 Evolution & Fossil Record Up to two option
& GY325 Fluvial Geomorphology GG306 Exploration Geology GG390 Geology Project modules in Science,
Sem 2 and Floodplain Management GG308 Geology Field Course, Geology, Geography
GY326 Coastal Environments Cyprus (40 credit module) or Language
GY327 Freshwater Processes & GG309 Environmental Geology /
Ecosystems GY375 GIS 2 Professional Practice Must incorporate a minimum of 4 weeks
GY335 Environment Assessment GG310 Oceanography fieldwork
GY336 Air Quality Management GG312 Hydrogeology
GY339 Water and Health GG313 Global Petrogenesis
GY374 Applied Remote Sensing
Table 1: BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology – Accredited Route Programme of Study. (Modules are 10 credits except where indicated otherwise.)
Physical and Environmental Geography Geology Skills
Level 4 Sem 1 GG110 GG105 QM109 GG160
GY11 GY131 Fundamentals of Mineralogy and Mathematical Skills Introduction to
Fundamentals of Global Geology Petrology for Geoscientists Field Geology
Physical Environmental [Pembrokeshire]
Geography Issues and
Management
Sem 2 GG112 GG103 Igneous QS118 Option in Science,
The Global and Metamorphic Statistics and Geology, Geography,
Earth System Rocks OR GG111 Quant. Techniques Civil Engineering or
The Ocean Planet for Geoscientists Language
Level 5 Sem 1 40 credits of Geography modules from: 40 credits of Geology modules from: Option in Science,
GY212 Water in the Landscape GG202 Structure of Earth & Global Processes GY272 Research and Geology, Geography,
GY216 Soil and Water Analysis GG203 Earth Resources Career skills Civil Engineering or
GY217 Ice Age Earth GG205 Applied Palaeontology Language
GY218 Global Geomorphology GG206 Structural Geology OR
GY231 Environ Conservation & Management GG208 Geology Field Course, Spain
GY232 Environmental Pollution & Control GG210 Igneous & Metamorphic Processes GG213 Research and
GY235 Environmental Hazards GG211 Sedimentology Career Skills for
GY236 Climate Change GG214 Environmental Geochemistry Geoscientists
GY250 Sustainable Development GG218 Geological Mapping Field Course
GY271 Geographical Information Systems 1 (both 20 credits)
GY274 Intro to Remote Sensing
Sem 2 GY296
Geography
Fieldwork,
Sicily
Placement Year (optional) GG380 (10 credits)
Level 6 3 Geography modules from: 3 Geology modules from:
GY315 Dryland Environments GG301 Geohazards
GY316 Environmental Change in GG302 Geology of Major Civil GY390 Independent Project
Low Latitudes Engineering Projects
Sem 1 GY323 Hazards in Cold Environs GG304 Planetary Geology OR Up to two option
& GY324 Wetland Environments GG305 Evolution & Fossil Record modules in Science,
Sem 2 GY325 Fluvial Geomorphology GG306 Exploration Geology GG390 Geology Project Geology, Geography
and Floodplain Management GG308 Geology Field Course, Cyprus or Language
GY326 Coastal Environments GG309 Environmental Geology / (40 credit module)
GY327 Freshwater Processes & Professional Practice
Ecosystems GY375 GIS 2 GG310 Oceanography
GY335 Environment Assessment GG312 Hydrogeology
GY336 Air Quality Management GG313 Global Petrogenesis
GY339 Water and Health
GY374 Applied Remote Sensing
Table 2: BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology – Open Route Programme of Study. (Modules are 10 credits except where indicated otherwise.)
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Learning and Full-time students take modules amounting to 120 credits per year, 60 in
teaching 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 GG108 Geology of your Home Area 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 (and further optional
field courses at Levels 5 and 6) 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.
Student-centred learning culminates 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 in
collaboration with a staff tutor.
Assessment A variety of forms of assessment are used across the three levels of the degree
programme to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in a range of skills. Some
modules are assessed entirely by coursework such as those involving field and
map work, while others are assessed by a combination of coursework and
exams which may be practical, multi-choice or essay type as appropriate.
Exam duration can be 1.5 hours (standard) or 2 hours (extended). Oral
presentations contribute to the assessment of students working in groups.
The following definitions are included within the 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 and analytical and written
communication skills.
Project (including individual, group work and Level 6 project): a
demonstration of independent research skills and written communication
skills.
Report (including laboratory reports and field reports): a
demonstration of reporting and written communication skills. Laboratory
reports additionally demonstrate laboratory skills whilst field reports
demonstrate field and group research skills.
Seminar presentation: a demonstration of knowledge, understanding,
verbal communication, presentation skills, and ability to respond to
questioning.
Poster presentation: a demonstration of knowledge, understanding, and
written and visual communication skills.
Portfolio (including article reviews): a demonstration of reflective
engagement in workshop activities, reflective reading skills, and written
communication skills.
Other methods including map interpretation, Powerpoint presentation,
web page design and group debates.
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.
It is standard practice within the School of Environment & Technology to
notify students of assessment tasks and hand in dates at the beginning of each
semester to allow them to plan their work. Module planning and
monitoring is undertaken to mitigate problems of bunching of coursework
assessment.
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, feedback on course work will be
REGULATIONS
Regulations 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 1 modules in a Level 3 programme, except in the case
of L1 language modules which are part of a language course that a student is
continuing at L3.
PROFESSIONAL AND STATUORY BODY DETAILS (optional)
If a course is accredited by a PSB, full details of how the course meets those requirements, and
what students are required to undertake should be included here
A route through the BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology degree is accredited by the
Geological Society of London (Table 1). The modules that a student following this accredited
route should study are described in the Programme Structure section (above).
LEARNING SUPPORT
Central support – all students benefit from:
• University induction week programme (includes introduction to study and library skills)
• University Student Handbook (including general advice to students on regulations,
University policies, and advice and support facilities)
• Extensive library facilities on campus (Aldrich Library)
• Six open access computer pool rooms on the Moulsecoomb site with 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 daily user support
help desk.
• External and internal E-mail and internet access (students may set up personal websites)
• Personal pigeonhole for university mail etc.
• Student services, including Welfare, Careers, Counselling, Legal, Financial,
Accommodation, Childcare, Medical, Sexual Health and Chaplaincy support
Course specific support:
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.
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 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 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 that 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.
Our staff benefit from links with the 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.
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information can be found in a range of documents, including:
• BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology Definitive Course Document (1998)
• BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology Course Handbook (updated annually)
• University Student Handbook
• Module Description Handbooks (Geography & Geology Division and other Divisions)
• University General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses
• University Teaching and Learning Policy
QUALITY INDICATORS
This section details external indicators of the quality of the provision
QAA Subject Review outcome: Reviewed within Geography QAA in 2003:
Outcome satisfactory.
National student awards:
Professional accreditation: A specific pathway in this course (Table 1)
fulfils the accreditation requirements
stipulated by the Geological Society of
London and accreditation was granted in
January 2006.
Appendix 1
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Assessment and Grading Criteria
Grade Mark Grade Criteria Class/
letter Band Descriptor Award
A A+ 80-100 Outstanding An outstanding response to the task: All assessment criteria have been achieved to an exceptionally high level. Work demonstrates all of the following First
characteristics beyond that expected for work at the given level of study: 1
Knowledge/ In-depth understanding, insight and/or research, grasp of detail, relevant theory and literature. Evidence and integration of
understanding background independent study and other aspects of course.
Structure Originality in the way in which the work has been approached and executed. Exemplary organisation and standard of
presentation throughout.
Application Consistently displays high levels of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability.
Evaluation Evidence of exceptionally high quality, insightful and creative analysis and/or critical appraisal. (At Level 3, for appropriate
independent work, possibly of publishable quality with minor revisions).
General Clear, relevant and consistently accurate citation and referencing.
Additional Original, creative and sophisticated - evidence of intellectual rigour and independence of judgement. Striking insight and
Criteria evaluation demonstrated. Evidence of intellectual rigour and independence of judgement. Outstanding in all areas and
displaying originality.
A A 75-79 Excellent An excellent response to the task: all assessment criteria have been achieved to a very high standard and most at an exceptionally high level. Work demonstrates First
A- 70-74 all or most of the following characteristics expected for work at the given level of study: 1
Knowledge/ In-depth understanding, insight and/or research, grasp of detail, relevant theory and literature. Evidence and integration of
understanding background independent study.
Structure Clear, Fluent integrated and focused, high standard of organisation and presentation.
Application Demonstrates high levels of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability
Evaluation Evidence of very high quality, insightful and creative analysis and/or critical appraisal.
General Clear, relevant and consistently accurate citation and referencing. Specification of assessment adhered to. Excellent in all areas
and displaying some originality.
B B+ 67-69 Very good/ A very good/commendable response to the task: all assessment criteria have been met fully and many have been achieved at a good or very good standard. Upper
B 64-66 commendable The work demonstrates some of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study: Second
B- 60-63 2:1
Knowledge/ Very good understanding and exploration, some insight/and or thorough research, is mostly focused on the task posed.
understanding Awareness of the relevant theory and literature without achieving the intellectual independence and originality that
distinguishes from First level.
Structure A standard and comprehensive approach and execution of the work/ well organised and the standard of presentation is good.
Application Demonstrates high levels of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability.
Evaluation Evidence of some good quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and/or critical appraisal.
General Few errors; Citation and referencing relevant and mostly accurate. Specifications of assessment adhered to.
C C+ 57-59 Good/ A good/competent response to the task: all assessment criteria have been met and some may have been achieved at a good standard. The work demonstrates Lower
C 54-56 competent some of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study: Second
C- 50-53 2:2
Knowledge/ Sound understanding of basic subject material/principles and some evidence of analysis or synthesis.
understanding
Structure A standard and comprehensive approach to the devising and/or execution of the work. Some evidence of organisation and
structure but little development.
Application Demonstrates good levels of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability.
Evaluation Evidence of some quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and/or critical appraisal.
General Occasional errors, minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies in citation.
Grade Mark Grade Criteria Class/
letter Band Descriptor Award
D+ 47-49 Satisfactory A satisfactory/adequate but weak, response to the task; all assessment criteria have been met but at least some barely exceed the threshold standard to pass the Third
D D 44-46 module. The work demonstrates some of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study: 3
D- 40-43
Knowledge/ Adequate but limited understanding of major ideas with very little insight and/or minimal research or synthesis.
understanding
Structure Very basic and/or poorly thought out approach to and execution of the work, disorganised.
Application Demonstrates some initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability.
Evaluation Low quality in at least one area, generally coherent but some lack of clarity of thought or expression in relation to the
expectations for the given level of study.
General Some minor inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings and/poor standard of presentation and not completely focused.
E E+ 37-39 Marginal fail/ An unsatisfactory response to the task because one or more of the assessment criteria do not reach the threshold standard to pass the module. The work Fail
E 34-36 weak fail demonstrates some of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study:
E- 30-33
Knowledge/ Limited understanding and/or exploration of major ideas with very little insight and/or minimal research.
understanding
Structure Poorly thought out approach to the devising and/or execution of the work; some significant aberrations from the specifications
for the assessment task; little attempt at organisation.
Application Little evidence of initiative, personal responsibility, decision making and learning ability.
Evaluation The work is too descriptive, insufficiently analytical and/or poorly performed in relation to the expectations for the given level
of study.
General Some significant inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings; poor standard of presentation; deviations to the specification of the
assessment task e.g substantial deviations from the word limit and/or minor elements of the work missing; referencing
inaccurate or inconsistent.
F F+ 20-29 Very weak fail An unsatisfactory response to the task because most of the assessment criteria fail to reach the threshold standard to pass the module. The work demonstrates Fail
F 10-19 some of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study:
F- 0-9
Knowledge/ Very limited understanding and/or exploration of major ideas with little or no insight and/or minimal research.
understanding
Structure Very poorly thought out approach to devising and /or execution of the work; insufficient attention paid to several of the
assessment criteria.
Application No evidence of initiative, personal responsibility, decision-making and learning ability.
Evaluation The work is descriptive and/or very poorly performed, with little evidence of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and/or critical
appraisal in relation to that expected at the given level of study.
General Several significant inaccuracies and /or misunderstandings; poor standard of presentation; some deviations to the specifications
for the assessment task. e.g. .substantial deviations from the word limit and/or major elements of the work missing.
Non-submission/attendance
N