I originally trained as a geologist and then specialised in organic geochemistry. I mostly teach undergraduate students field and laboratory practical skills in both geography and geology, allowing students to put into practice the theory they have learnt in lectures. My main research is in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction particularly of Quaternary sediments.
Geomechanics is the study of the mechanical behaviour of geological material, namely rocks and soils. The understanding of these concepts is crucial owing to the importance of these materials in the stability of supported structures. This 20 credit module, spanning both TB1 and TB2, introduces the fundamental theory associated with the mechanical properties of both forms of geological material. On completion of this module, the student will be prepared to look at further advanced topics in Geomechanics II.
This residential field course module explores the relationship between environment and society in the Himalayan state of Sikkim in NE India on the borders with China, Nepal, Tibet and West Bengal. The course is inter-disciplinary in approach and policy-oriented. Students work with members of University Staff in mixed groups of biologists, human geographers, physical geographers and zoologists. Through intensive inter-disciplinary group working, students utilise (and pass on) their specialist skills in the group exercises and projects that are undertaken.
The aim of this module is to introduce the participants to essential geographical skills. These invaluable skills will become enhanced throughout their degree at Swansea University. Participants should be able to apply these techniques in a wide variety of environments and contexts. Skills covered include essay writing, data analysis and map making
The module is concerned with identifying and defining geographical questions within the Vancouver and southern British Columbia context and applying relevant geographical skills, knowledge and techniques to these questions. The general aims are to observe, analyse and achieve an understanding of the varied geographical landscape and inherent features of Vancouver and southern British Columbia. Students taking this module will gain experience in research design, methodologies, data analysis and presentation methods, including seminars, posters and reports. Students taking this field course focus on either the physical or human geography on the region and conduct project work appropriate to their specialism. The module comprises preparatory lectures in Swansea during teaching block 2 and a two-week field course, which typically runs in the last week of teaching block 2 into the first week of the Easter vacation.
This core 20-credit module introduces a variety of physical and human geography methods, along with data analysis. The module builds upon student knowledge and covers research design, data collection and data analysis. Students are introduced to a range of lab and field techniques in physical and / or human geography along with statistical analysis. They gain experience in describing, interpreting and presenting the results.
This module builds upon student knowledge of social research methods and environmental methods (delivered in GEG277) through to the formulation of a dissertation proposal. The module focuses on key dissertation planning and preparation skills.
Geology is the study of the composition and history of planet Earth and the processes that operate within the planet and on its surface. This module provides an overview of geology, with a strong emphasis on practical and fieldwork. By the end of the module you will be able to identify minerals and rocks, and know how to interpret them to understand the behaviour of volcanoes and earthquakes, and the formation of mountain belts. Teaching through lectures is supplemented by regular practical classes and five half-day field classes. Taking this module alongside Year One Geography modules will complete your credit requirements at Year One. The module is recommended if you have an interest in physical geography, although it is accessible to all students. No previous experience of geology is needed.
Acquiring fieldwork skills and experience is vital training for Earth scientists. This module develops geological fieldwork skills through two intensive residential weekends, three half-day field classes and an independent field-based project. The first weekend (normally November), introduces key aspects of geology in the field, including a variety of rock types, folds and faults, fossils and field relations, as well as developing skills such as keeping a field notebook, making a field sketch, using a compass-clinometer to measure the orientation of rock surfaces, and manipulating structural data. The second weekend (normally February) applies knowledge, understanding and experience gained through the year (including in GEL121) to more advanced aspects of geology in the field, including sediment logging, correlation and lateral variation, and basic field mapping. The field weekends are supported by tutorial meetings and assessed through activities undertaken in the field, including a field notebook, and reports prepared afterwards. Local, half-day field classes in Teaching Blocks 1 focus on geological resource exploitation in the South Wales Coalfield and are assessed through a report. Local field classes in TB2 focus on geological mapping and fossils. Finally, students undertake an independent project based on the geology of an area of their choosing, producing a poster. This module builds on material covered in GEL121 (Introduction to Geology) which is a co-requisite, and provides a firm foundation for the study of Year 2 geology modules. The module is compulsory for students enrolled on BSc Physical Earth Science. It is not available to students enrolled for other Geography degree schemes.
The geological record gives a long-term perspective on environmental and climatic change, including changes that occurred over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. This record, derived from the interpretation of rocks, provides a long-term perspective on the magnitude and extent of environmental changes and their causes. This module focuses on the reconstruction of environmental parameters from the geological record. Principles and techniques for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction are outlined, with an emphasis on facies analysis and palaeoecology. Sedimentary structures are interpreted in terms of processes of sediment transport, deposition and disturbance. The facies characteristics of major depositional systems are outlined, including deserts, rivers, deltas, the deep sea and volcaniclastic environments. This module builds on aspects of geology introduced at Year One and provides a long-term perspective on environmental and climatic conditions that complements Earth history and physical geography modules. The module is compulsory for students taking BSc Environmental Geoscience. The module will include lectures and a weekend long field course component.
