MODULE TITLE Geology CREDIT VALUE 15

MODULE CODE CSM1030 MODULE CONVENER Dr Robin Shail (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 10

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 68

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a concise overview of what geology involves, including its practical applications (mineral and hydrocarbon resources, rock engineering,
volcanic and seismic risk). 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 have hands-on experience of different minerals
and rocks and an introduction to geological maps.

What prior knowledge skills or experience including pre-requisite and co-requisite modules does a student need to have in order to be able to take this module?
None

Is this module suitable/ unsuitable for specialist/ non-specialist students? Suitable for both categories

Is this module recommended for interdisciplinary pathways? Yes.

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 Earths 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 determining the relative and absolute
ages of rock successions;
5 recognise the outcrop patterns produced on geological maps by horizontal and inclined strata and simple examples of folds and faults.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
6 synthesize 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 45.00 Guided Independent Study 105.00 Placement / Study Abroad

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 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

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
Multiple choice questions on ELE 1 hour 1-9 Written

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams
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
Basic reading:

Marshak, S. 2008. Earth: portrait of a planet (third edition). W.W. Norton, London, 748 p.

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Web based and electronic resources:

Full range of lecture powerpoints available on ELE, together with links to other learning resources, including flash animations and self-assessment questions
available at support webpages for recommended module text: http://www.wwnorton.com/college/geo/earth3
Reading list for this module:
Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Marshak, S. Earth: portrait of a planet W.W. Norton, London 2012 [Library]

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 Wednesday 11 January 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 11 January 2017

KEY WORDS SEARCH Geology; mineralogy; plate tectonics; sedimentology; igneous petrology; metamorphic petrology; structural geology.