ESC-30033 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None.

Description for 2020/21

This module provides students with the opportunity to study volcanic and magmatic processes primarily through a field course to an area where such processes can be observed. Past field course venues included Italy and Greece. The main emphasis of the course is on on the field investigation of igneous rocks, but it also introduces aspects of physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, geochemistry, structural geology, geodynamics, global environmental change and economic geology, as applicable.
The module involves 4 practical classes (workshops) preparing students for the field course, followed by a residential fieldtrip in the UK or overseas.
The module is designed for both Single and Combined Honours Geology students as well as Geology with Integrated Master's students who have progressed to year 3 of their course. It will be assessed through an oral presentation, and a set of individual and group exercises on the field course, including a post-field course report.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a systematic and comprehensive understanding of volcanic and magmatic processes through workshops and a residential field course either in the UK or overseas. The module focuses on the field investigation of igneous rocks, but it also introduces aspects of physical volcanology, volcanic hazards, geochemistry, structural geology, geodynamics, global environmental change and economic geology, as applicable.

Intended Learning Outcomes

systematically describe, evaluate and interpret key volcanic and magmatic processes through study of academic journal literature and field investigations in a classic area in volcanology: 1,2
deploy subject-specific skills and established techniques to interpret volcanological, petrological and geochemical data, and apply and critically evaluate these to the formulation and solution of a problem: 1,2
demonstrate 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: 2
demonstrate skills in computing, numeracy, information handling, problem-solving, team-working as well as oral, visual and written communication: 1,2
apply proficiently modern field methods in volcanology and petrology, and demonstrate 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: 1,2

Study hours

12 hours practical classes (workshops)
58 hours directed and private study, including preparation periods for oral presentation
and post-field course report
80 hours participation in residential field course and field-course related assignments

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment