| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
The aim of the module is to link the importance of geological resources in the modern environment with the consequences of the exploitation of the resources and the subsequent remediation of the sites.
The module will explain;
1. Influence of geology on global economy
2. Formation, extraction and the associated environmental impact of coal
3. Formation, extraction, processing and the associated environmental impact of oil and gas
4. Formation, extraction, processing and the associated environmental impact of metallic minerals
5. Formation, extraction, processing and the associated environmental impact of non-metallic minerals.
6. Formation, chemical composition, extraction and the associated environmental impact of groundwater
6. The practical classes will investigate the identification of rocks, metallic and non-metallic minerals and hand samples, and the use of geological maps to identify and charaterise geological resources and problems
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 0:00 | exam revision and exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | Preparation and writing for essay |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 0:00 | writing up lecture notes |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Visit to mining site |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 23:30 | 23:30 | 0:00 | reading around the subject to gain a broader understanding |
| Total | 100:00 | 36:00 |
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 practise skills needed for the use of understanding mineral deposits and the identification of rocks and minerals as hand samples, reinforcing material delivered in lectures through direct personal observation, and developing 3-dimensional thought. The field trip is used to practically demonstrate the history, operation and impact of mineral mining on the environment.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 50 | N/A |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 25 | Essay on topic relating to field trip (1000 words) |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 10 | Minerals practical |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 15 | Mapping Practical |
The practical exercises test (a) the ability to recognise minerals using hand specimens and (b) the ability to glean information from geological maps.
Course work essay tests the ability to use information from different sources, including maps and the web, and to apply this knowledge to gain a wider understanding of the impact of mineral mining on both a local and global scale both environmentally and economically. The examination tests knowledge and understanding of core material.
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.