ESC-10034: Geology: Time & Space

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
visualise 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: Class Test weighted 33%

Short class tests within practical classes
Five class tests, each of 30 - 45 minutes duration, covering course material

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

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

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

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