My experience of practical-based learning in Iceland

The benefits of gaining field work experience

One huge advantage of doing a practical-based course is that field work plays a key part. Throughout my 4 years studying Environmental Science, the course has taken me all over, from local places like the city of Dundee, Wormit, Arbroath and St. Andrew’s, to residential trips to Aviemore and Iceland. These trips have undoubtedly been integral to my development on the course, having a good time with friends and helping me to explore new places. 

Discovering the landscape in Iceland

The week we spent in Iceland in May 2024 was a real blast. We landed in Reykjavik and then travelled a few hours along the south coast to some lodges where we would stay. It was so interesting to see how physically isolated homes and small villages were – you could drive 20 minutes before seeing another house, and there was only one road! 

Some of the days there were spent at different sites around the south coast, with lecturers showcasing different aspects of the amazing physical environment. We saw glaciers, cliffs, icebergs, black sand beaches and lava fields that stretched as far as the eye could see! The trip was assessed as a module, and our field notebooks were a key part of this assessment. We spent time taking notes on what the lecturers told us about the landscapes, and drew sketches of key geomorphological features, like landslides and sea stacks. My artistic skills definitely need work…! 

Practical group project using specialist field equipment 

The main part of the trip, however, was the group project. Prior to the trip, in our group of five, we had written a project proposal, and planned how we were going to collect data from the study site we had elected. The place we had chosen to study was called Lómagnúpur, the highest cliff in Iceland (764m from top to bottom). Here, a landslide had occurred around 100 years ago, and we were to classify and characterise the event (kind of like painting a scientific picture of it). 

To do this, we took some field equipment from the lab in Dundee, and for two days, we set about collecting data at the base of the cliff. It was great fun to be given such independence when we were left at the base of the cliff by the lecturer in the mornings. We spent around 5-6 hours a day at the site, collecting data and taking photos for our written report that we would compile when we got home. Collecting real results on such a breathtaking site was a privilege. We used drones to get a perspective from higher up and examine high parts of the cliff in close detail – I normally use a drone to film outdoor sports, so it was really interesting to use it for a scientific purpose. 

Gaining invaluable experience and building a network

As well as all of the practical fieldwork we did, we also had a lot of fun socialising in the evenings, and during the day in our group. It was a great experience to get to know more people on the course and strengthen relationships with classmates. I had a fantastic time overall and would strongly recommend this trip to anybody studying Environmental Science. Check out some of these photos to get an insight into what we got up to!