Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- Develop an understanding of the key processes that shape the Earth over geological time,
- Develop an understanding of the structure of the solid Earth,
- Introduce students to the key paradigm of plate tectonics,
- Introduce mineralogy and the rock-forming minerals,
- Develop an understanding of the rock cycle
- Describe the key geological processes that form igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
- Describe the key rock-forming minerals in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

Outline Of Syllabus

Through a series of lectures, practical and field trips the students will gain an understanding of the dynamic process that underpin the formation of different rocks. Specifically;

- Structure and composition of the solid earth

- Global plate tectonics – driving forces, plate motions, plate boundaries, the Wilson cycle.

- Geological time and major global geological change

- The rock cycle and principles of mineralogy / crystallography

- Igneous rocks and their formation and mineralogy – descriptions, classification, intrusive and extrusive volcanism, fractional melting and crystallisation, Bowens reaction series

- Metamorphic rocks and their formation and mineralogy – descriptions, classification, contact and regional metamorphism, facies and grade

- Sedimentary rocks and their formation and mineralogy – descriptions, classification, weathering, transport, depositional environments, stratigraphic concepts,

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Following this module students will be able to:

- Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the Earth, including the compositional and physical properties

- Explain the principles of global tectonics and the role in shaping the Earth

- Explain how global geophysics is used to determine the structure of the Earth

- Explain the relationship between different tectonic settings and associated volcanisms
- Describe the textural and mineralogical differences between different igneous rocks
- Understanding the principles of mantle melting, fractional melting and crystallisation.

- Explain the relationship between different tectonic settings and regional and contact metamorphism
- Describe the textural and mineralogical differences between different metamorphic rocks
- Understand the key concepts of metamorphic grade and facies

- Explain the sedimentary cycles and link to weathering processes
- Explain the processes related to transport, deposition and burial in sedimentary systems
- Understand different depositional environments and their link to tectonic setting
- Understand the key concepts related to stratigraphy

Intended Skill Outcomes

Following this module students will be able to:
- Make observations and interpretations from hand specimens and outcrops
- Make observations and interpretations from thin sections
- Interpret the depositional environment or geological settings based on the composition and texture of rocks
- Use quantitative methods to demonstrate how physical processes govern how the Earth works.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to provide 1) an introduction to processes and the evidence of these and 2) information, details and facts, as well as a guide to the syllabus and reading. This is reinforced using case studies and practical classes. Case studies presented in the lectures are used to explain the link between outcrops and geological processes.

Field trip used to introduce students to observation and description of the characteristics of rocks. The location of field trips will be linked to both the case studies and the specimens in practical classes where possible.

Practical classes are the primary opportunity for students to 1) use quantitative methods to understand the physical processes that govern how the Earth works and 2) investigate how rocks and minerals relate to the broader dynamic Earth processes, providing an opportunity to practice skills needed for to make observations in the field, in hand specimens and in thin sections.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Given the breadth of subject areas covered in the introductory module for both Earth and Environment programs, the assessment method will be based on both an exam and practical/lab assessment. The practical classes provide the primary opportunity for students to link how observations from rocks and minerals relate to the broader dynamic Earth processes. While the exam provides

Digital Exam – In semester 1 exam period a Digital Exam (MCQ) will assess the students’ knowledge and understanding of some of the key paradigms which underpin the evolution of the Earth and geological processes present day. The assessment will cover the structure and composition of the solid earth; global plate tectonics; the rock cycle and the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Practical / Lab Assessment 1 - In semester 2 the practical / lab notebook will be assessed midway through the S2 teaching period. The assessment will relate to describing and identifying sedimentary rocks

Practical / Lab Assessment 2 - In semester 2 the second practical / lab notebook will be assessed at the end of the S2 teaching period. The assessment will relate to describing geological structures and maps.


The formative assessment will provide an opportunity for students to receive on feedback relating to their observational skills.

General Notes

N/A