ENVR06041 2013 EARTH SCIENCE
This module allows students to describe the fundamental geological processes, which have resulted in the formation, modification and destruction of the earth's crust. Students will acquire practical skills (field and laboratory based) for the classification of common rock and mineral types, in addition to the examination of basic soil properties. Key geological data sources will be identified. The exploitation (past and present) of geological resources by human beings will be explained.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Describe the theory of plate tectonics.
Explain the geological processes associated with volcanoes and earthquakes, in addition to their impact on human beings.
Distinguish beween the main categories of rocks and rock forming minerals.
Discuss the main processes of weathering.
Examine factors responsible for soil formation.
Identify key soil properties.
Identify the main agents of erosion responsible for the modification of the earth's surface.
Recognise the fundamental aspects of hydrogeology.
Explain the importance of geological resources to human beings.
Module Assessment Strategies
The module will be assessed by means of an exam at the end of the semester, class tests, a field/laboratory log book and a geological report.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
- The composition and dynamics of the earth.
- Geological processes associated with volcanoes and earthquakes.
- The composition and formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
- The major groups of rock forming minerals.
- Factors of soil formation.
- Weathering processes.
- Agents of erosion (water/ice/wind).
- Geological field trip.
- Write a report on a geological site investigation (field study).
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Written Report Geological Report | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | UNKNOWN | 3,5,6,8,9 |
2 | Short Answer Questions Class Test | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | UNKNOWN | 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9 |
3 | Short Answer Questions Class Test | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | UNKNOWN | 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9 |
4 | Practical Evaluation Log Book | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 25 % | UNKNOWN | 2,3,5,6,8,9 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 40 % | UNKNOWN | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Laboratory Practical | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Module Resources
Press, F. and Siever, R. (1986). Earth. W.H.Freeman, U.S.A.
Brady, N.C. (2007). The Nature and Properties of Soil. Pearson, Prentice, Hall.
Tarbuck, E.J., Lutgens, F.K. and Tasa, D. (2010). Earth Science. 13th Edition. Prentice Hall.
Rapp, G and Hill, C.L. (2006) Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation. Yale University Press.
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