School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-30033 Volcanic and Magmatic Processes  
Co-ordinator: Dr Ralf Gertisser    Room: WSF32, Tel:33181  
Teaching Team: Mr David  Emley, Mrs Stephanie  Everill, Mrs Emma  Harvey, Dr Brian  O'Driscoll, Mrs Karen  Babb, Ms Clare  Sillitto  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
Option module for all students who have progressed to year 3 of the following courses: Dual Hons Geology, Major-Minor Geology, Geoscience, MGeoscience

Description

This module provides students with the opportunity to study active volcanic and magmatic processes primarily through a field course to southern Italy. The main emphasis of the course is on the field investigation of volcanic rocks, but it also introduces aspects of physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, volcano monitoring, igneous petrology, geochemistry, geodynamics and global environmental change.

The module involves 4 to 5 practical classes (workshops) covering topics related to the field course, followed by a 10-day residential fieldtrip to classic volcanic areas in Naples (Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei) and the Aeolian Islands (currently Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano). Conditions permitting, the field course involves a climb of the active Stromboli volcano to observe its spectacular summit eruptions at night. The field course will take place in May after the year-3 examination period.

The module is designed for students in Geology, Geoscience and MGeoscience who have progressed to year 3 of their course. It will be assessed through two practical exercises, an oral presentation, production of a fact sheet and a set of individual and group exercises on the field course.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with a systematic and comprehensive understanding of volcanic and magmatic processes through workshops and a field trip to the volcanoes of southern Italy. The course focuses on the field investigation of volcanic rocks, but it also introduces aspects of physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, volcano monitoring, igneous petrology, geochemistry, geodynamics and global environmental change.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Systematically understand key volcanic and magmatic processes through practical-based exercises at Keele and field investigations in a classic area in volcanology. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Conceptually understand the use of modern field methods in volcanology, including applications to studies in physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, volcano monitoring, igneous petrology, geochemistry, geodynamics and global environmental change, and the ability to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of these methods, based on knowledge that is at or informed by the forefront of the discipline. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Deploy subject-specific skills and established techniques to interpret volcanological and petrological data, and apply and critically evaluate these to the formulation and solution of a problem. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Acquire skills to a high level in all aspects of field observation, in collection, recording, analysis and interpretation of field data, and in communication of information, ideas and arguments in a clear and coherent form. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Develop skills in computing, numeracy, information handling, problem-solving, team-working as well as oral, visual and written communication. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Study hours
5 x 3-hour practical classes (workshops)

55 hours directed and private study, including preparation periods for oral presentation and factsheet

80 hours participation in residential field course and field-course related assignments
Description of Module Assessment
01: Practical Assessment weighted 15%
Practical-based exercises
The assessment is based on two problem-based practical assignments carried out. These cover the material introduced in practical classes 2 and 3 (see below).
02: Oral Presentation weighted 15%
15-minute oral presentation with questions
The assessment is based on an individual, 15-minute oral presentation using Powerpoint. Student and module teaching staff audience.
03: Poster Presentation weighted 10%
Poster (fact sheet) incl. presentation on field course
Students produce a poster (fact sheet) of 2 A4 pages on the same topic as their oral presentation and present it on the field course.
04: Practical Assessment weighted 60%
Field-course related assignments completed on field course
Assessments include 4 marked field exercises, a group project report (1500 words), 2 quizzes and the field notebook. None of the individual assignments contributes 25% or more to the module 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.