ESC-10034: Geology: Time & Space

School of Physical and Geographical Sciences

ESC-10034

Geology: Time & Space

Co-ordinator:

Dr Michael Montenari Room: WSF10A, Tel:33162

Teaching Team:

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description

This module provides an introduction to Earth time and Earth history. It covers stratigraphic principles and geological evolution of Europe. The module also introduces geological structures and the interpretation of geological maps. A six day field course (e.g. Pembrokeshire) brings together the stratigraphic and structural geology concepts.

Aims

Introduce the "major geoscience paradigms [of] the extent of geological time [and] uniformitarianism: the present is the key to the past" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007) and "the importance of time and scale in geology" (Requirements for accreditation, GSL 2008).
Introduce the "terminology, nomenclature and classification and practical knowledge [of] geological structures" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007).

Intended Learning Outcomes

know, evaluate and interpret the underlying concepts of the "major geoscience paradigms [of] the extent of geological time [and] uniformitarianism: the present is the key to the past" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007) and "the importance of time and scale in geology" (Requirements for accreditation, GSL 2008). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
know, evaluate and interpret the underlying concepts of the "temporal and spatial scales [of] geological time, including the principles of stratigraphy, radiometric dating, the stratigraphic column, rates of Earth processes, major events in Earth history" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
know, evaluate and interpret the underlying concepts of "Earth science terminology, nomenclature and classification of ... geological structures" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
have the "facility with visualising geological data in three dimensions, including the construction of cross-sections" (Requirements for accreditation, GSL 2008). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
further know, evaluate and interpret the underlying concepts of "collection and documentation of geological information in the field, including the ... interpretation of geological maps" (ES3 benchmarking statement, QAA 2007). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3

Study hours

Lectures 24 hours
Practicals 36 hours
Fieldwork 48 hours
On-line 5 hours
Independent study 37 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Laboratory Practicals weighted 33%

Laboratory notebooks
Submission of laboratory practical notebooks

02: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 33%

2 hours
Unseen two hour exam with short answer questions covering lecture and practical class material.

03: Portfolio weighted 34% (min pass mark of 30)

Field notebook and exercises
Material associated with the field course including field notebook, structural exercise, stratigraphic exercise, sedimentary log, field hazard/risk assessment.

Version: (1.04S) Created: 04/Jun/2010

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.