Study information

Geological Mapping Techniques - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEGeological Mapping Techniques CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM2184 MODULE CONVENERDr Sam Hughes (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 5 2
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
We pride ourselves on delivering a robust programme of training, enabling you to become competent field geologists, able to collect and interpret data from a wide range of geological situations and to be able to present the results of fieldwork in written reports and in presentations.
During the module we develop the skills required to measure and record geological data in the preparation of geological maps. We make use of that data to interpret geological processes and gain an understanding of how data collection can allow hypothesis testing. Emphasis is also placed on developing self-confidence and reliance.
The module builds upon the geological and surveying field skills training provided in Year 1 (CSM1036, CSM1045) with campus-based training in surveying (Land Survey Course), basic use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and geological mapping techniques (Term 2). These are integrated with data acquisition skills developed during Year 2 field-based exercises in SW England (CSM2182, CSM2183, and CSM2312), which culminate in the Skye Field Course. Many of you will then put these skills to use when undertaking geological mapping for your Summer Vacation Project (CSM3379).
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop the field-based training provided during the Year 1 CSM1036 Field Geology and Geological Maps module to provide you with a thorough training in geological mapping. The primary aim of the module is to enhance your ability and competence in geological mapping of an upland field area along with the description and interpretation of a wide range of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic lithologies. An aim that permeates throughout the module is the development of safe, professional working practices in field-based geology. In addition to field geology, the module also includes a campus-based practical land surveying exercise.

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 Measure and record structural data;
2 Plot geological data on to a base map producing field slips and subsequent neat copy geological maps;
3 Interpret geological processes from outcrop data;
4 Describe and interpret a wide range of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock types;
5 Synthesise different aspects of geological data into internally consistent models;
6 Identify inherent risks during fieldwork and take appropriate action to minimise those risks;
7 Prepare geological maps and cross sections;
8 Demonstrate competence in the application of surveying techniques;
9 Carry out a topographical survey of a site and apply theoretical surveying knowledge;
10 Establish the required skills needed to undertake survey control to meet a client specification;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
11 Translate lecture-based knowledge and understanding to field-based data acquisition and analysis; 12 Synthesise and critically appraise data to test hypotheses
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
13 Communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline and report practical procedures in a clear and concise manner in a variety of formats; 14 Select appropriate data from a range of sources and develop research strategies;
15 Interact effectively within a team/learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses, where appropriate.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The Geological Mapping Techniques module comprises four elements:
 
1 - The Land Survey Course:
The Land Survey Course is an intensive practical course designed to imitate a typical topographic survey. Students are expected to produce a topographic survey of  an area of the Penryn Campus using several surveying methods and working whole-to-part, whilst working in small groups. This course builds on the skills developed during the Year 1 CSM1045 Surveying and Digital Mapping module.
 
2 - An Introduction to the Skye Field Course, Creating Field Slips in ArcGIS and Mapping Skills:
During Term 2 there will be a series of lectures and workshops designed to provide the skills and test your understanding of fundamental exposure mapping techniques. You will also take part in an exercise to develop your knowledge and understanding of the regional geology ofNW Scotland and Skye.  The aim of these sessions is to ensure that you both have the skills to undertake geological mapping and understand the geological context of the mapping area(s).  There will also be a series of workshops on how to use GIS to create field slips. In the build-up to the Skye Field Course there will be a session providing logistics and information on the course;
 
3 - Skye Field Course - Mapping Training and Practice:
The Skye Field Course is the main component of this module. Its aim is to develop your ability and confidence to use the geological exposure mapping method in exercises based on the Isle of Skye in NW Scotland. Most of the focus will be on creating field slips and will be supplemented by work in your field notebooks. By the end of the field course students should have the skills and confidence to complete the field mapping component of the Summer Vacation Project (CSM3397);
 
4 - Map-Making Workshop - Digitising Field Slips and making a final neat copy map in ArcGIS:
The purpose of these workshops is to provide the skills to complete the final component of creating a geological map – digitising the data. This will include digitising example field slips and then producing a final neat copy geological map. This will be done using ArcGIS software.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 150 Guided Independent Study 0 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 60 Summer Survey Course
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 60 Skye Field Course
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Lectures and Workshops
Guided Independent Study 20
Private study and reading; formative and summative assessment

 

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
Not Applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Land Survey Course: traverse report documenting the methodology, data collection and calculations for the topographic survey, and a topographic plan 25 1500 words equivalent 8-15 Detailed written feedback and one-to-one discussions, as required
Regional Geology of NW Scotland and Skye: question-based exercises 20 1200 words equivalent 3, 5, 11-15 Detailed written feedback and one-to-one discussions, as required
Neat copy geological map: production of a digitised geological map using ArcGIS 5 300 words equivalent 2, 5, 7, 11-15 Detailed written feedback and one-to-one discussions, as required
Skye Field Course: field slips, cross sections, field notebooks and summary data presentation and analysis 50 3000 words 1-7, 11-15 Detailed written feedback and one-to-one discussions, as required

 

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
Summative Assessment Additional Assessment As Above August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.
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

Basic Reading:

ELE –  https://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE page for module CSM2184, Geological Mapping Techniques:

 https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=504

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Coe, A. Geological Field Techniques Wiley-Blackwell
Set Lisle, R.J., Brabham, P. and Barnes, J.W. Basic Geological Mapping 5th Geological Society of London Handbook Series, Wiley-Blackwell 2011
Set McClay, K. The Mapping of Geological Structures Geological Society of London Handbook Series, Wiley-Blackwell 1987
Set Tucker, M.E. Sedimentary Rocks in the Field Geological Society of London handbook series, Wiley-Blackwell 2011
Set Jerram, D. and Petford, N. The Field Description of Igneous Rocks Geological Society of London Handbook Series, Wiley-Blackwell 2011
Set Passchier, C.W., Myers, J.S. and Kroner, A. Field Geology of High-Grade Gneiss Terrains Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1990
Set Uren, J. and Price, W.F. Surveying for Engineers 5th Macmillan 2010
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM1045, CSM1042, CSM1036
CO-REQUISITE MODULES CSM2182, CSM2183, CSM2312
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 10th September 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH Field Geology; Sedimentary Rocks; Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks; Structural Geology; Topographic Survey; geological mapping; exposure mapping

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