| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
To develop understanding of the natural processes that shape the earth’s surface and that generate the materials on which mankind depends – for the production of food, as a foundation for buildings, as a source of mineral raw materials and ground water, and for the management of waste.
Lecture 01-02 Earth system processes from core to crust (Earth structure, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, weathering, soil cycles)
Lecture 03 Issues and relevance of the Earth system
Lecture 04-10 Minerals and rocks (rock forming minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks)
Lecture 11-12 Superficial deposits (glacial processes and deposition; fluvial processes and deposition)
Lecture 13 Representation of geological structures and materials on maps
Lecture 14-15 Soil profile formation
Lecture 16 Protection of land and water quality
Lecture 17-18 Need for and exploitation of mineral raw materials
Lecture 19-20 Waste management and its impact on the Earth system
Seminar 01 Integrative case study (seminar plus practical workshop)
Practical 01-02 Minerals and rocks (rock forming minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks)
Practical 03-04 Representation of geological structures and materials on maps
Practical 05 Soil profile formation
Field Class 01 Minerals and rocks (rock forming minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks class)
Field Class 02 Contaminated Land
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | Preparation of learning log |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | Preparation of group presentation & group report |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 0:00 | Revision for Semester 2 examination and examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 0:00 | Writing up lecture notes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 0:00 | reading around the subject to gain a broader understanding |
| Total | 100:00 | 34:00 |
A field class is used in the first week of the course to introduce students to observation and description of the characteristics of rocks and soils in the field, whilst introducing them to the area and to each other. Lectures are used to provide factual information and a guide to the syllabus and reading. This is reinforced by the use of case studies and problem solving in practical classes. Practical classes are the primary opportunity to practice skills needed for the use of the microscope and geological maps, reinforcing material delivered in lectures through direct personal observation, and developing 3-dimensional thought.
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 2 | A | 50 | Written Exam |
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 2 | M | 15 | Group presentation |
| Description | Length | When Set | Percentage | Resit Available Off Campus | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | A | 100 | resit exam |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 2 | M | 10 | Learning Log |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 25 | 2 mapping and microscope practical reports |
The Learning Log provides a basis for revision and tests/assists students in their ability to cope with independent learning. The practical exercises test (a) the ability to recognise soil-forming rocks and minerals using the microscope and hand specimens and (b) the ability to glean information from geological maps. The case study tests the ability to use information from different sources, including maps and the web, to solve land-related problems (such as comparison of soil profiles and land-use potential for areas of contrasting geology). The examination tests knowledge and understanding of core material. The project work which compromises of a group report and presentation provides the experience of working with others and learning presentational skills.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.