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School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-40026 MGeoscience: Economic Geology  
Co-ordinator: Dr Brian O'Driscoll   Tel:33184  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 4 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

Geology Major (Level 4)
Geoscience Single Honours (Level 4)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Prerequisites

Option/elective module for students who have progressed to year 4 of the MGeoscience course.

Barred Combinations

Not available to those students who have taken the level 3 module Economic Geology.

Description

This module covers important aspects of economic geology, including ore body formation and mineral exploration methods, aggregate production and uses, and the formation, exploration and production of coal, including coal gasification. The module also includes excursions to working mines.

Aims

The module aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of:
- the petrological controls on igneous and metasomatic ore body formation and their mineral exploration methods
- aggregate production and uses
- the formation, exploration and production of coal


Intended Learning Outcomes

gain knowledge and systematic understanding of the processes and mechanisms of igneous and metamorphic ore formation, much of which is at or informed by research at the forefront of the subject. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3 and 4
apply critical awareness of exploration techniques and economic considerations in ore body assessment will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3 and 4
gain knowledge and comprehensive understanding of aggregate materials in terms of their production and economic uses. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3 and 4
gain knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the formation, exploration and production of coal, as well as a critical awareness of future reserves and the environmental implications of coal production and usage. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3 and 4
become familiar with techniques used for the mining of minerals and coal, and the quarrying of aggregate materials. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3 and 4
further develop oral presentation and report writing skills, showing originality in the application of knowledge and demonstrating ability to explain complex issues. will be achieved by assessments: 2





Study hours

- Lectures 12 hours
- Practical classes 24 hours
- Three one-day field excursions 28 hours
- Private study, assignment completion 86 hours


Description of Module Assessment

01: Practical Assessment weighted 25%
Practical Test
Two-hour practical test on all of the topics covered during the course. Test will consist of short answer questions.

02: Project weighted 15%
Project report and oral presentation
Assessment of 1000-word report on independent project and associated oral presentations carried out during Section 1 of the module

03: Practical Assessment weighted 10%
Field Notebook
Assessment of the quality of note-taking, sketches and performance on the three module field excursions

04: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50%
Two-hour unseen examination
Two-hour unseen examination consisting of questions on Sections 1, 2 and 3 of course. Students must answer one question from each section of the paper.


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

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