Study information

Geology - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEGeology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM1030 MODULE CONVENERProf Robin Shail (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 10 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 50
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a concise overview of what geology involves, including its practical applications (volcanic and seismic risk, rock engineering, mineral and hydrocarbon resources). In lectures you will learn about minerals and the principal rock types, and how they form, as well as the internal structure of the Earth and how plate tectonics controls many processes and large-scale geomorphological features. In practicals you will learn about the identification and classification of the principal mineral and rock groups, including ore specimens, and how to interpret simple geological maps. Prior knowledge and skills are not required to take this module; it is suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways. 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module provides an overview of the origin and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, and the formation, classification and applied significance of minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and geological structures.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Earth’s internal structure, plate tectonics and the internal and surface processes that control geological evolution
2 Describe and classify common minerals and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and demonstrate an understanding of how they form
3 Describe and classify geological structures and demonstrate an understanding of how they are formed
4 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic stratigraphical principles and geological histories and methods for determination of the relative and absolute ages of rock successions
5 Recognise and interpret the outcrop patterns produced on geological maps by horizontal and inclined strata, igneous intrusions, folds, faults and angular unconformities
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
6 Synthesise data from different scales (microscopic to planetary) and disciplines into simple, but coherent, models of the geological processes and evolution 7 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the applied significance of geology in relation to the occurrence of natural resources and natural hazards, the engineering behaviour of rock masses and the environmental impact of mineral extraction
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge
8 Work within an appropriate ethos and use and access a range of learning resources
9 Apply given methods accurately and carefully to a well-defined problem and begin to appreciate the complexity of the issues in the discipline
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
- Overview of module, Earth structure and plate tectonics, internal structure of Earth, introduction to minerals/rock groups and stratigraphy
- Continental drift, sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics
- Sedimentology and surface processes: the description and classification of sedimentary rocks, physical properties of fluid flows resulting in sediment transport and deposition, major depositional environments, introduction to palaeontology and further examples of stratigraphy
- igneous and metamorphic petrology: igneous activity at the present day, classification of igneous rocks, major processes responsible for common igneous phenomena, contact and regional metamorphism, processes and products
- structural geology: the nature, classification and applied significance of structures formed during deformation of the lithosphere, controls on the rheology of geological materials, outcrop patterns of simple structures on geological maps.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 45 Guided Independent Study 105 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activity 27 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activity 18 Practicals
Guided independent study 105

 

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method

Online quizzes

 5 x 30 minutes 1-7 Online
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 60 1.5 hours 1-9 Tutor meeting
Assessed practical 40 1.5 hours 2-7, 9 Written feedback
       
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
As above Examination/practical All August Ref/Def period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above 1 piece of CW 40% and/or 1 Exam 60%

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Web based and electronic resources

Full range of lecture PowerPoints available on ELE, together with links to other learning resources. 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Marshak, S. Earth: portrait of a planet 6th international student ed. W.W. Norton, London 2018 9780393640137
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 2nd October 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Geology; mineralogy; plate tectonics; sedimentology; igneous petrology; metamorphic petrology; structural geology.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.