Talking teaching Earth Sciences

Royal Holloway

16 Jul 201502:08

Summary

TLDRThe transcript highlights the relevance of geology in understanding our natural resources and addressing climate change. It emphasizes the comprehensive foundational year that introduces various geology areas, allowing students to discover their interests and strengths. Personalized support from lecturers, industry connections through professors, and practical field trips to diverse locations like Wales, Scotland, and the Pyrenees are highlighted as key features of the program. The unique sense of community at Royal Holloway, with a small class size fostering a familial atmosphere, is also underscored.

Takeaways

🌏 Geology is crucial for understanding the resources we use and the impact of climate change on our planet.
📚 In the first year of the geology program, students are introduced to a broad range of basic modules to explore their interests.
🔍 Students have the opportunity to discover their strengths and interests, which can guide their academic path in geology.
👨‍🏫 Access to one-on-one support from lecturers is available, which is highly beneficial for students who may be struggling.
🏫 The staff-to-student ratio is favorable, allowing for personalized attention and assistance from faculty members.
🤝 Students can meet and network with industry professionals, gaining insights into the field and potential career paths.
📈 Connections through university professors can assist students in finding jobs and navigating their career choices.
🌄 Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum, offering hands-on experience and enhancing classroom learning.
🗺️ Students have the chance to visit various locations for field trips, including Wales, Scotland, and the Pyrenees, among others.
🏞️ Fieldwork is essential for becoming a competent geologist, as it complements theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
👫 At Royal Holloway, there is a strong sense of community among geology students, fostering a supportive and familial environment.

Q & A

Why is geology considered relevant in today's world according to the transcript?
-Geology is relevant because it is the study of rocks, which are the source of many resources humans use. Additionally, understanding geological processes is crucial for addressing climate change and living in harmony with the Earth.
What is the approach to learning in the first year of the geology program mentioned in the transcript?
-In the first year, students are required to learn the basics of every module without the option to tailor their degree, as they are still discovering their interests and strengths in the field.
How does the transcript describe the experience of discovering new interests in geology during the first year?
-The transcript mentions that many areas of geology are brought to light in the first year, leading students to realize their interests in areas they might not have previously considered.
What kind of support did the speaker receive when they felt behind in their geology studies?
-The speaker received one-to-one support from a lecturer for two hours a week for a term, which was described as phenomenal and indicative of the good staff to student ratio.
How does the university help students connect with industry professionals?
-The university facilitates meetings with industry professionals throughout the degree program, allowing students to gain insights into what to study and how to apply for jobs, leveraging connections through professors.
What role do field trips play in the geology program according to the transcript?
-Field trips are essential, as they provide practical experience that complements classroom learning. Without fieldwork, students would not become proficient geologists.
Where have the field trips taken students in the geology program?
-Field trips have taken students to various locations including Wales, Scotland, the Spanish Pyrenees, French Pyrenees, and the Alps.
What is unique about the sense of community at Royal Holloway as described in the transcript?
-The sense of community at Royal Holloway is unique due to the small class sizes, with only about 70 students taking geology each year, creating a familial atmosphere where everyone knows each other.
How does the transcript describe the staff to student ratio and its impact on students?
-The transcript highlights a good staff to student ratio, allowing for personalized support and access to lecturers even late at night, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
What advice does the transcript give for students to make the most of their geology degree?
-The transcript suggests that students should be open to discovering new interests, seek support when needed, engage with industry professionals, and participate in field trips to gain practical experience.
How does the transcript characterize the academic environment at the university for geology students?
-The academic environment is characterized by a supportive staff, opportunities for one-to-one support, connections to industry professionals, and a strong emphasis on fieldwork.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Importance of Geology and Academic Support

The speaker emphasizes the significance of geology in understanding the Earth's resources and climate change, which are crucial for harmonious living. They describe the foundational learning experience in the first year, where students explore various modules without the option to specialize, allowing them to discover their interests and strengths. The support system at the institution is highlighted, with personal assistance from lecturers and a conducive staff-to-student ratio that fosters academic growth. The speaker also mentions the value of industry connections facilitated by university professors, which aid in career guidance and job applications.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Geology

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its materials, and the processes that shape it. It is central to the video's theme as it discusses the relevance of geology in understanding both natural resources and climate change. The script mentions that 'everything that we use as humans is normally sourced in the rocks,' highlighting geology's importance in our daily lives.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily as a result of human activities. In the script, it is mentioned as 'a massive part of geology,' emphasizing its significance in understanding and addressing environmental challenges, which is a key message of the video.

💡Fieldwork

Fieldwork in geology involves conducting research and observations outside the laboratory, often in natural settings. The script stresses the importance of fieldwork by stating that 'without fieldwork...you wouldn't end up being a very good geologist,' illustrating its essential role in practical learning and understanding of geological concepts.

💡Module

A module in an academic context is a self-contained unit of study, often with a specific focus. The script refers to learning 'every module at the basics' in the first year, indicating the comprehensive approach to foundational knowledge in geology.

💡Tailoring a Degree

Tailoring a degree means customizing one's academic program to suit personal interests and career goals. The video script discusses how students can 'tailor your degree' by discovering their interests and strengths in the first year, which is crucial for personalizing their educational journey.

💡Staff to Student Ratio

The staff to student ratio is a measure of the number of teaching staff compared to the number of students in an educational institution. The script praises the 'good staff to student ratio' and the availability of one-on-one support, which is highlighted as a significant advantage for personalized learning.

💡Industry Connections

Industry connections refer to the relationships and interactions between educational institutions and professional sectors. The script mentions meeting people from the industry and the benefits of these connections, such as guidance on what to study and how to apply for jobs, which is vital for career preparation.

💡Field Trips

Field trips in an academic context are educational excursions to locations relevant to the subject being studied. The script describes various field trips to places like Wales, Scotland, and the Pyrenees, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning in geology.

💡Community

Community in this context refers to a close-knit group of individuals who share common interests or goals. The script speaks of a 'sense of community' at Royal Holloway, where a small class size fosters a familial atmosphere, which is a unique aspect of the educational experience discussed.

💡Academic Support

Academic support encompasses the resources and assistance provided to students to help them succeed in their studies. The script recounts an instance of receiving 'two hours a week one to one support' from a lecturer, showcasing the personalized academic assistance available to students.

💡Career

A career is a person's professional journey or the sequence of their jobs and roles over time. The video script discusses how the university's connections and the students' experiences can help them 'end up in a career they want,' indicating the importance of education in career development.

Highlights

Geology is crucial due to its relevance to human use of natural resources and the impact of climate change.

In the first year of geology, students learn the basics of all modules without the option to specialize.

Students discover new areas of interest in geology during their first year, which can guide their future studies.

Tailoring the degree to personal interests and strengths is possible after the first year.

Personal struggles in geology can be overcome with one-to-one support from lecturers.

The staff to student ratio in geology is favorable, with professors available for support until late at night.

Industry professionals are often met during the degree, providing insights and guidance for future careers.

University connections through professors assist students in securing their desired careers.

Field trips are an integral part of the geology curriculum, enhancing understanding through practical experience.

Diverse field trip locations, including Wales, Scotland, and the Pyrenees, broaden students' perspectives.

Fieldwork is essential for becoming a competent geologist, complementing classroom learning.

The sense of community at Royal Holloway is fostered by small class sizes and a close-knit student body.

The student body in geology is tight-knit, with everyone knowing each other within the first month.

The geology program at Royal Holloway creates a familial atmosphere among students.

Geology students at Royal Holloway benefit from a supportive and engaged academic community.

The transcript emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded geology education and its practical applications.