Course description
Studentships
Limited departmental bursaries and one-year University bursaries offering either fees and subsistence, or full/partial remission of fees, are available on a competitive basis.
Course description
The programme evaluates the range of sediment sources and sinks; the processes that link them; and consequent impacts on hydrologic, geomorphic and ecologic systems. It provides insights into the tools required to understand how landscapes have and continue to develop.
The course is organised flexibly to target a range of different audiences including continuing geography students, those wishing to embark on a career in environmental assessment and management, those wishing to acquire specific skills before progressing to a PhD, and those wishing to undertake courses relevant to continuing professional development.
The focus throughout is on a "hands-on" approach, with an emphasis on linking theory to the answering of real environmental problems and questions. Consideration is also given to the dissemination of results in academic and other literatures.
Course content is strongly influenced by the research interests and expertise of staff in this RAE Grade 5A department.
Course content
All MSc and diploma students take modules to the value of 120 credits. MSc students produce a dissertation worth 60 credits. Students taking 60 credits are eligible for a postgraduate certificate.
Course modules are:
-Sources to sinks
-Research Deisgn in Analysis of Terrestrial Systems
-Environmental Process Fluxes
-Geochemical Techniques
-Unlocking the Sedimentary Archive
-Spatial Techniques in Envoronmental Analysis
-Guided Project
-Current Issues in Environmental Analysis
-Dissertation
Teaching, learning and assessment
Knowledge and understanding is acquired through a series of compulsory modules and delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and field and laboratory classes.
There is a strong emphasis placed small-group teaching with the students required to prepare for each session through designated preparatory tasks, and on practical, hands-on experience of techniques.
Independent learning is a key element to developing the independent knowledge and skills, so 120 hours per module are allocated the for assimilation of materials, further reading, completion of practical work and preparation of reports or presentations.
Skills and other attributes are primarily developed through field classes, laboratory classes and workshops, and individual and group project work.
A supervisor is allocated to each student for the duration of their dissertation research, and during the guided project module. For students undertaking placements as part of either of these modules, a local supervisor will also be nominated, who will coordinate work with the Sheffield supervisor.
Assessment of the core knowledge base, skills and other attributes rests upon written coursework, oral presentations, poster presentations and a dissertation
