Key skills in physical geography

Absolute Zero

Just noticed this third year module. As a student who prefers pysical geography this looks very good.

Are any current third years doing this? if so what do ye think of it? Seems like a good practical class to beat the monotony of endless theory based lectures in second year.

Edit : also lecturer Rowan Fealy is one of the teachers, absolute legend.

Ms. Koi

I know it was quite limited to get into this semester, I don't know who actually got in, but competition was high! Not very useful, but important to know it's not available for everyone!

Absolute Zero

kellief wrote: »

I know it was quite limited to get into this semester, I don't know who actually got in, but competition was high! Not very useful, but important to know it's not available for everyone!

Oh great haha, I suppose its really competetive due to the fact that its all continuous assesment and practical!! beats sitting in lectures the whole time any way.

Michellenman

afair there's only 16 places for the whole of the year. When deciding who gets the places they take in to consideration your past results in all modules and if you've taken an interest in physical geography before. I don't do it and don't know of anyone else who's doing it. Maybe email the lecturers and ask them to put you in touch with someone doing the module.

Ostrom

Michellenman wrote: »

afair there's only 16 places for the whole of the year. When deciding who gets the places they take in to consideration your past results in all modules and if you've taken an interest in physical geography before. I don't do it and don't know of anyone else who's doing it. Maybe email the lecturers and ask them to put you in touch with someone doing the module.

Nice to see some criteria in place - when I was in third year, it was the first 25 to Paul Gibson's office after introductory lectures for a spot on remote sensing

Jayjay80

I did it this year. It was supposed to be based on grade related criteria, but it was still based on the first people in Paul Gibsons office! In fairness though I would estimate that everyone in the class is definitely in the 2:1 ,1:1 category. Three lecturers, Paul - field work and gis, Conor Murphy hydrology and urban water resources and Bettina Stefanini - ecology and habitat assessment. 3 big projects. No exam. Its upto you how much effort you put into your projects, mine were quite extensive and time consuming! Overall, I would recommend it. Its definitely more enjoyable than sitting in JH taking notes.

Absolute Zero

Jayjay80 wrote: »

I did it this year. It was supposed to be based on grade related criteria, but it was still based on the first people in Paul Gibsons office! In fairness though I would estimate that everyone in the class is definitely in the 2:1 ,1:1 category. Three lecturers, Paul - field work and gis, Conor Murphy hydrology and urban water resources and Bettina Stefanini - ecology and habitat assessment. 3 big projects. No exam. Its upto you how much effort you put into your projects, mine were quite extensive and time consuming! Overall, I would recommend it. Its definitely more enjoyable than sitting in JH taking notes.

How did the projects go?? like what kind of things did you have to do in each?

Jayjay80

Pauls - we collected GPS Ground Control Points and some other field work measurements, compass work etc. Then you learn how to transfer the GCPs you have collected from Trimble into Arc so you can apply eastings and northings to an unrectified map. That was the most time consuming as Paul pretty much leaves you to your own devices and its upto you how elaborate you want to be. I a good week into it. But it was tricky to learn the systems without prior knowledge so thats probably why it took me so long.

Conors - was a project on the Eastern Basin and Dublin water resources including statistical testing of riverflow on a river of your choice. Not as hard as Paul, but once again, a nice few days work, and free reign to make it as interesting as you wish!

Bettinas - was undoubtedly the best field trip. Afternoon in Howth, pissed rain all day though. Habitat assessment of a woodland and heathland. Then writing up your assessment, statistically analysing the groups findings, tracing land use change over centuries from maps you are given, some brief policy analysis as Howth is protected under the habitats and birds directives. Shortest assignment. 2000 words.

Its worthwhile. I managed it with a thesis to do as well. Although I am still under time pressure for exams. Should be very manageable if you dont have a thesis to do. You are shown how to do statistical tests and use systems...but for Pauls you really do need to work it out your self. No harm I suppose! Work with a few mates in the lab and ye'll work it out between ye.

Lots of scope for good marks as you can really do a great project if you are that way inclined.