Lab, Field, and Data Handling Techniques

Module code: GY2350

This module is designed to 1) develop your skills in quantitative data analysis and interpretation in the context of geographical problems, and 2) provide practical experience in a range of field and laboratory techniques relevant to physical geography. The module will encourage you to think critically about data analysis; give you confidence in handling relatively large, complex data sets; and emphasise the importance of data quality and precision when carrying out lab and field measurements.

You'll use many of the techniques learned in GY1019: Working with Geographical Information, as well as some new ones that will be taught as part of this module. Specifically, you will tackle problems relating to the numerical analysis of the phenomenon of downstream sediment fining in river systems.

The other aspect of the module is entirely practical and consists of a mixture of field and laboratory-based practicals. These include basic surveying; micrometeorology (use of sensors and data loggers); GPS and vegetation sampling in the field; and water quality analysis, inorganic chemical analyses of sediments, and particle size analysis in the laboratory.