Module Descriptors
INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY
GEOG40449
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 56
Independent Study Hours: 94
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 70%
- CLASS-TEST weighted at 30%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Texts
Allaby, M. (2008) Dictionary of Earth Sciences. Oxford University Press.
Doyle, P. Bennett, M.R. and Baxter, A.N. (2001) The key to Earth history: an introduction to stratigraphy (2nd edition). Wiley.
Doyle, P. (1996). Understanding fossils. Wiley.
Thorpe, R. and Brown, G. (1991) Field description of igneous rocks. Wiley.
Tucker, M. (2011) Sedimentary rocks in the Field (4th edition). Wiley
Marshak, S. (2011) Earth: Portrait of a Planet (3rd edition). Norton
Bishop, A.C., Woolley, A.R., Hamilton, W.R. (2005) Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Fossils. Firefly
Park, G. (2010) Introducing Geology: A Guide to the World of Rocks (2nd edition). Dunedin
Doyle, P. Bennett, M.R. and Baxter, A.N. (2001) The key to Earth history: an introduction to stratigraphy (2nd edition). Wiley.
Doyle, P. (1996). Understanding fossils. Wiley.
Thorpe, R. and Brown, G. (1991) Field description of igneous rocks. Wiley.
Tucker, M. (2011) Sedimentary rocks in the Field (4th edition). Wiley
Marshak, S. (2011) Earth: Portrait of a Planet (3rd edition). Norton
Bishop, A.C., Woolley, A.R., Hamilton, W.R. (2005) Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Fossils. Firefly
Park, G. (2010) Introducing Geology: A Guide to the World of Rocks (2nd edition). Dunedin
Module Indicative Content
This module will provide an introduction to: Fundamental geological principles; geological timescale, stratigraphy (strata and rock sequences) and dating; Earth's internal processes; rock forming minerals (silicates); igneous rocks; metamorphic rocks; weathering and the origin of sedimentary materials; sedimentary rocks and sedimentary structures, sedimentary rock cycle and environments of sediment deposition; classification of sedimentary rocks and invertebrate fossil groups; history of life on Earth (the fossil record; evolution and extinction); geological fieldwork (normally 1 day).
Module Learning Strategies
You will undertake four hours of classes each week (48 hours). These classes will consist of an appropriate balance of lectures, slide presentations, practicals and class tests. A tutor-led field visit (8 hours) at appropriate stage of the course will help to place the theory in its context, and the field notes that you produce will make a contribution to the assessment. Your independent study time will be devoted to completing the practical work, working through appropriate software teaching packages in the IT suite, completing guided reading and revising for the class tests.
Module Additional Assessment Details
70% Portfolio of practical and laboratory work including fieldwork assignment - 2000 word equivalence (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6,7)
30% Class-test(s) - 2 hours - on the material relating to minerals, igneous, sedimentary & metamorphic rocks and fossils (Learning Outcomes 4,5,7)
30% Class-test(s) - 2 hours - on the material relating to minerals, igneous, sedimentary & metamorphic rocks and fossils (Learning Outcomes 4,5,7)
Module Resources
Appropriate geological maps and geological literature (books, journal articles and reprints) as directed, from the library/ learning resource centre. Information derived from `on-line' databases on the internet. Earth Science software available in the Sciences IT suite.