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ESC-10092 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

ESC-10092 - Introductory Geology
Coordinator: Steven Rogers Tel: +44 1782 7 33752
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

Geology explains the past and present of our planet; therefore informing many of our economic, environmental and even societal activities today, and in the future. This module focuses on basic underlying geological principles and concepts. Students will learn about a wide range of Earth phenomena including; rocks, fossils and minerals, geological time, the history of our planet, plate tectonics, evolution, natural hazards, geological resources, energy... and more!
In addition, skill-based exercises in the lab and around campus will provide authentic experience of a variety of geoscience data gathering techniques.

Aims
To introduce students to basic geological principles and concepts, including the formation and history of our planet, the nature of the Earth and its materials (minerals and rocks), large scale earth processes, the links between geology and society and other basic geological skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

discuss and apply fundamental geological theories and concepts
: 1
recognise, describe, and interpret rocks, minerals, and fossils: 1
apply geological concepts in an interdisciplinary manner to societal issues: 1

Study hours

Active learning:
44 hours of in person sessions (2x2hr sessions per week for 11 weeks)
20 hours of engaging with asynchronous materials
86 hours of independent Study:
20 hours preparing and completing Assessment 1
35 hours preparing and completing Assessment 2.
31 hours of additional reading

School Rules

Not available to students on any Geology degree (Geology SH, CH, MGeology, for 2021 includes: Geology (Volcanology), Geology (Geoforensics), Geology (Environmental Geoscience), Geology (Geophysics) and Geology and Physical Geology SH.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Individual Report weighted 40%
Critical review of an AI generated Geology Report (review will be 1500 word equivelent)
A critical analysis and revision of an AI generated report of 1500 words on the geology of the student's home area (or similar), including relevant geological maps and figures. You will critically analyse a report looking at the accuracy of presented facts, report structure, style and relevence. - Learn something new about the area you are from (both in terms of the areas underlying geology and the basic geological theories and concepts used to interpret them, but also something about the social, industrial and historical nature of the area and how this links to the local geology); - develop important AI literacy skills; - understand expectations around producing reports. A detailed guide is provided along module content.

2: Coursework weighted 60%
Patchwork Assessment ( final submission 2500 words or equivalent)
Students create a piece of summative work (the final submission) based around a theme of their choosing (from a set of themes provided). Throughout the module students prepare formative "patches" from each weeks content, these patches are used to inform the final submission. Students will be guided and supported through this process in the module.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024