Aim and Intended Learning Outcomes. The aim of the field class is to provide students with hands-on experience in a range of aquatic measurement techniques, including water chemistry, biogeochemistry and hydrology, augmenting the theoretical understanding gained in course lecture content and provide useful techniques for use in the individual M.Sc research projects. Upon completion of the field course and associated assessment report, students should have attained the following learning outcomes:
1) Ability to operate and deploy a range of water quality equipment.
2) Undertake laboratory analytical techniques on water samples, demonstrating technical accuracy and rigour.
3) Measure fluvial discharge and characterise geomorphological context in the field.
4) Analyse and synthesise data to form a coherent analysis of aquatic environment characteristics.
Assessment Task. You will complete field report based on the week’s activities. Your report will examine system hydrology and biogeochemistry along a Loch / River transect (max. 2,000 words). See appendix 2 for more details on how to write a research report.
Travelling to Crianlarich. We will meet at Crianlarich Youth Hostel at 18:00 on Monday 28 th of October. You will have access to your accommodation at the hostel from Monday afternoon so are expected to make your way there sometime on Monday. Please note that arrival before 16:30 will mean no access to the hostel. Crianlarich is easily reached by train, and the hostel is ca. 100m away from the station (see map below).
Timetable Mon 28 th October 16:30 – 18:00 Students to make their way to Crianlarich Tue 29 th October 08:30 – 17:00 Group A – Water Quality data collection Group B – Discharge Data collection Wed 30 th October 08:30 – 17:00 Group B – Water Quality data collection Group A – Discharge Data collection Wed 30 th October 17:00 onward Return to Glasgow Thur 31 st October 09:00 – 16:00 Lab processing Fri 1 st November 09:00 – 16:00 Lab processing
What you will need: We will be spending a significant portion of our time in the field. In October the average temperature ranges from 9-13 oC (feeling much colder in close proximity to water and in shaded glens) with an approx. 60-70% chance of rain. You will need to be prepared for these conditions! Specifically, you will need: - Waterproof outer layer (including jacket AND trousers). - Warm clothing – including hat / gloves. - Strong, suitable field work shoes. - Sufficient changes of clothing for three days field work, as well as lab work / down time. You may get wet whilst working in rivers to measure discharge; bring spare and warm clothing. - Notebooks / laptops. - Field backpack / bag. - Lunch / snacks for field work.
