About
Dr Nicholas Felstead is a member of the Geography Department at Swansea University.
Dr Nicholas Felstead
Lecturer
Geography
Academic Office - 235
Second Floor
Wallace Building
Singleton Campus
Second Floor
Wallace Building
Singleton Campus
Research Links
Publications
Research Highlights
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Minckley, T., Felstead, N., & Gonzalez, S. (2019). Novel vegetation and establishment of Chihuahuan Desert communities in response to late Pleistocene moisture availability in the Cuatrociénegas Basin, NE Mexico. The Holocene, 29(3), 457-466.
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Felstead, N., Leng, M., Metcalfe, S., & Gonzalez, S. (2015). Understanding the hydrogeology and surface flow in the Cuatrociénegas Basin (NE Mexico) using stable isotopes. Journal of Arid Environments, 121, 15-23.
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Gonzalez, S., Huddart, D., Israde -Alcántara, I., Domínguez-Vázquez, G., Bischoff, J., & Felstead, N. (2015). Paleoindian sites from the Basin of Mexico: Evidence from stratigraphy, tephrochronology and dating. Quaternary International, 363, 4-19.
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Felstead, N., Gonzalez, S., Huddart, D., Noble, S., Hoffmann, D., Metcalfe, S., Leng, M., Albert, B., Pike, A., Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A., & Jiménez-López, J. (2014). Holocene-aged human footprints from the Cuatrociénegas Basin, NE Mexico. Journal of Archaeological Science, 42, 250-259.
All Research
Journal Articles
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Minckley, T., Felstead, N., & Gonzalez, S. (2019). Novel vegetation and establishment of Chihuahuan Desert communities in response to late Pleistocene moisture availability in the Cuatrociénegas Basin, NE Mexico. The Holocene, 29(3), 457-466.
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Gonzalez, S., Huddart, D., Israde -Alcántara, I., Domínguez-Vázquez, G., Bischoff, J., & Felstead, N. (2015). Paleoindian sites from the Basin of Mexico: Evidence from stratigraphy, tephrochronology and dating. Quaternary International, 363, 4-19.
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Felstead, N., Leng, M., Metcalfe, S., & Gonzalez, S. (2015). Understanding the hydrogeology and surface flow in the Cuatrociénegas Basin (NE Mexico) using stable isotopes. Journal of Arid Environments, 121, 15-23.
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Felstead, N., Gonzalez, S., Huddart, D., Noble, S., Hoffmann, D., Metcalfe, S., Leng, M., Albert, B., Pike, A., Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A., & Jiménez-López, J. (2014). Holocene-aged human footprints from the Cuatrociénegas Basin, NE Mexico. Journal of Archaeological Science, 42, 250-259.
Taught Modules
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BIO019 Techniques in Ecology and Biogeography
This module builds on the principles of ecology and biogeography, incorporating appropriate terminology and techniques required for field work. You will learn about the major biomes and their characteristics, and the techniques to survey the plants and animals within them. Alongside these topics, you will develop key skills to support you working safely and competently in the field, and the knowledge to plan and carry out robust surveys.
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GE-007 Foundation Physical and Environmental Geography
The module considers the impacts of physical geography processes on human habitation and how humans might mitigate against the effects of nature's extreme events. It also examines the complex issues surrounding human impacts on the landscape. Foundation Physical & Environmental Geography will pave the way for students to study Geography at Level 4 (Year 1). This module complements topics taught in the Foundation Human Geography module (GE-008), to give an understanding of physical geography and the environment.
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GEG100 Geographical skills
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, information sourcing, data visualization and analysis and reading, and creating a map.
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GEG132 Introduction to Earth Systems
This module forms an essential foundation for more advanced study of physical geography and environmental sciences. It introduces the four main Earth systems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. It provides a sound understanding of the processes within each system, and the interactions between them. The geosphere section introduces topics like the origin of Earth, plate tectonics and describes the distribution of different rock types and processes occurring in the geosphere. The biosphere section deals mainly with flows of energy and nutrients between Earth systems. The atmosphere section deals with flows of energy and moisture and their role in controlling climate over both space and time. The hydrosphere section focuses on the concepts of the hydrological cycle and the main processes associated with the water fluxes. In addition, the main properties and functions of soil, and the formation of different soil types worldwide are introduced. At the end of the module the changes in climate in the past, current and future, proxies of climate change are included.
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GEG140C Dulliau Maes
(Welsh translation to follow) This module provides training in key practical skills and concepts of field data collection for geology, human and physical geography students. The module consists of two parts, each of which comprises 50% of the module mark. The first is common to all students, and the second is determined by the student¿s degree specialism (human geography, physical geography or geology). Main component - common to all students Here we learn skills and concepts that are fundamental to your geography degree and aim to begin to prepare you for fieldwork aspects of your dissertation project. These include mapwork skills, awareness of data uncertainty, and applying geographical knowledge to real world situations. Next we will look at sea-level change and its impacts on communities and ecosystems. During classroom sessions we will consider the causes of sea-level change and how it is measured. We use the technique of Stakeholder Analysis to look at the economic and social impacts of sea-level change in different regions. We will then undergo local visits to explore the potential impacts of sea level to our locality and on our coastal university. We¿ll look at both urban and rural environments and different mitigation policies that may be used. Degree specialisms Human Geography The human geography project focusses on Cities and Photography. Students will investigate the use of photography through three Visual Methodologies: Photo-Documentation, Photo-Elicitation, and Photo-Essays. Students will take part in a photo documentation workshop and group photography fieldwork in Swansea City Centre. They will also complete a photo essay aided by group discussion to select concept, theme, whether analytical or evocative photographs (or both), and discussion of the links between practice and visual methodologies literature. Physical Geography Students will expand and apply their previous knowledge to natural sea defences (dunes), and learn about assessment of dynamic landscapes over time using three dimensional analysis techniques. They will also contribute to a citizen science initiative for coastal transition zones at risk from sea level change at our University Bay Campus. Using data collected and analysed during the semester, students will gain insight into sources of uncertainty among datasets, enabling them to critically examine the concept of ground 'truth'. Geology The module develops geological fieldwork skills through 2 intensive day field classes and one intensive field weekend (Friday and Saturday). Field classes will introduce 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 rock surface orientations, manipulation of structural data, sediment logging and correlation and lateral variation. This collected field data will be assessed through a geological report in order to synthesize this field data.
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GEG140P Field Methods - Physical and Environmental Geography
This module provides training in key practical skills and concepts of field data collection for geology, human and physical geography students. The module consists of two parts, each of which comprises 50% of the module mark. The first is common to all students, and the second is determined by the student¿s degree specialism (human geography, physical geography or geology). Main component - common to all students Here we learn skills and concepts that are fundamental to your geography degree and aim to begin to prepare you for fieldwork aspects of your dissertation project. These include mapwork skills, awareness of data uncertainty, and applying geographical knowledge to real world situations. Next we will look at sea-level change and its impacts on communities and ecosystems. During classroom sessions we will consider the causes of sea-level change and how it is measured. We use the technique of Stakeholder Analysis to look at the economic and social impacts of sea-level change in different regions. We will then undergo local visits to explore the potential impacts of sea level to our locality and on our coastal university. We¿ll look at both urban and rural environments and different mitigation policies that may be used. Degree specialism Physical Geography Students will expand and apply their previous knowledge to natural sea defences (dunes), and learn about assessment of dynamic landscapes over time using three dimensional analysis techniques. They will also contribute to a citizen science initiative for coastal transition zones at risk from sea level change at our University Bay Campus. Using data collected and analysed during the semester, students will gain insight into sources of uncertainty among datasets, enabling them to critically examine the concept of ground 'truth'.
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GEG252 Geographical Fieldwork skills
The module is concerned with identifying and defining geographical questions within a specific field location and applying the relevant geographical skills, knowledge and techniques to these questions. The general aims are to observe, analyse and achieve an understanding of the varied geographical landscapes and inherent features of a designated fieldweek location. The module comprises a week's fieldwork at a designated, normally foreign, location and preparatory and post-fieldweek lectures and other classes.
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GEG252L Geographical Fieldwork Skills: Exploring Geographical Themes in Swansea and South Wales
The module is concerned with gaining experience of the geographical skills needed to explore the physical and human geography environments around us. We use our considerable local and regional geographical assets to explore multiple themes in human and physical geography. The general aims are to observe, analyse and achieve an understanding of the varied geographical landscape and inherent features in Swansea and South Wales. The module is run via three online 'field days', with a human, physical and mixed human and physical geography theme. Students will be required to complete all three 'field days' and the associated assignments. Students taking this module will gain experience in research design, methodologies, data analysis and presentation methods. Maximum flexibility is afforded by the range of topics we can explore in the local and regional area. The theme of the trip is "South Wales: Environments, Landscapes, Heritage and Community
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GEG277H Geographical Methods and Data Analysis (Human Geography)
This core module introduces a variety of 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 research methods used in human geography along with statistical analysis. They gain experience in describing, interpreting and presenting the results.
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GEG277P Methods and Data Analysis (Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences)
This core module introduces a variety of environmental and physical geography methods, along with data analysis. The module builds upon student knowledge and covers research design, data collection and data analysis. They gain experience in describing, interpreting and presenting the results.
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GEG278 Dissertation Preparation Skills
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.
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GEGM07 Environmental Dynamics
This module aims to explain and understand past, present and potential future changes in the Earth's climate and environment. It provides a broad approach to environmental processes and dynamics operating on land, in the oceans and in the atmosphere on a global and regional scale. Emphasis is placed on the evidence available for reconstructing past environmental dynamics, the implications for present-day processes, future predictions and likely impacts.
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GEL203 Earth history
This module will investigate the history of planet Earth with particular emphasis on the fossil evidence. Life appeared very early on Earth, and changes in the oceans, atmosphere and in climate are intimately linked to the evolution of life. Large changes in the fossil record represent major events in Earth¿s history, including the catastrophic collapse of ecosystems and major radiations of diversity. We will take a journey through the history of the planet, tracking major changes in ecosystems and focussing on the major events, as well as considering the way that the fossil evidence has been used in debates about the way that evolution works.