MSc Polar and Alpine Change

Comments about MSc Polar and Alpine Change - At the institution - Sheffield - South Yorkshire

• Objectives
  To develop theoretical and practical awareness at an advanced level of polar and alpine environments and reasons for change in these environments. To provide advanced training in scientific research methods with an emphasis on their application in polar and alpine environmental analysis. To provide training in generic research skills including project design and management, oral and written communication and the use of information technology. To develop a specialised substantive and research knowledge in a selected field of the polar or alpine environment. To prepare students for postgraduate research (PhD) and/or for a variety of research related careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors. To prepare students for varied careers dealing with cold climate environments in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
• Entry requirements
  Entry Requirements Good 2:1 or First Class Honours degree in a science-based subject, including geography. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take a suitable test, e.g. IELTS, minimum score 6.5; TOEFL, minimum score 575, plus a score of 4.5 in the Test of written English, or minimum 232 in the computer-based TOEFL.
• Academic title
  MSc Polar and Alpine Change
• Course description
  Course description
  
  The programme explores environments, and underlying causes for change, in those cold climate parts of the globe where current environmental and climate change are proceeding at the fastest rate of anywhere on the globe.
  
  The course has a strong research emphasis but is organised flexibly to target a range of different audiences including those wishing to acquire specific skills or knowledge before progressing to a PhD, continuing geography students, and those wishing to embark on a government, industrial or commercial career in environmental assessment and management in a polar or alpine environment.
  
  An exciting feature of the course is the core fieldtrip to a polar or alpine environment, providing the students with field skills in a unique environment, and allowing access to polar and alpine sites for dissertation fieldwork.
  
  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:
  
  Polar and Alpine Climates
  
  Research Design in Analysis of Environmental Systems
  
  Polar and Alpine Environments
  Current Issues in Polar and Alpine Change
  
  Arctic/alpine Field Course
  
  Polar and Alpine Change Dissertation Preparation
  
  Polar and Alpine Dissertation
  
  And a choice from:
  
  Advanced Environmental Modelling
  
  Glacial Geology and Sedimentology
  
  Appropriate Masters level units in Geography
  
  Teaching, learning and assessment
  
  Knowledge and understanding is acquired through a series of compulsory modules and one optional module from a wide choice. The modules are delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and field and laboratory classes.
  
  There is a strong emphasis placed on small-group teaching with student-staff interaction, 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 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 and computer 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 pre-dissertation module.
  
  Assessment of the core knowledge base, skills and other attributes rests upon written coursework, examination, oral presentations, and a dissertation

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