Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)
Module GEOL2171: CHEMICAL TRACING OF EARTH PROCESSES
Department: EARTH SCIENCES
GEOL2171: CHEMICAL TRACING OF EARTH PROCESSES
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2006/07 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To introduce students to quantitative methods for the chemical tracing of Earth processes.
Content
- Melting and partition coefficients.
- Fractional crystallisation.
- Mixing Processes.
- Radiogenic isotopes.
- Principles, Parent/daughter and initial ratios.
- Geochronology.
- Short-lived and extinct isotopes.
- Rare gases, Ar-Ar, diffusion.
- Stable Isotopes.
- Hydrological Inputs.
- Surface Hydrology and Floods.
- Groundwater and Groundwater Flow.
- Unsaturated flow.
- Groundwater Chemistry.
- Water Quality.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- To be able to use elemental abundances and isotope ratios to quantify and trace Earth processes.
- To be able to apply the principles of geochemistry to quantitative problem solving.
- To understand the uses of elemental and isotopic chemistry in Earth Sciences.
- Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
- Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in ecological, biological and geochemical processes and their role in shaping the Earth.
- Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in Earth's natural resources and the techniques used to locate and exploit them.
- Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the role of the geologist in society with regard to economic development and environmental sustainability .
Subject-specific Skills:
- Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Key Skills:
- Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
- Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module is delivered through a mix of one-hour lectures and two-hour practical slots, supported by handouts, directed reading and web and computer-based assignments.
- The practicals form an important component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
- Summative assessment is made up of practical tests.
- An unseen written exam will provide a test of the students understanding of supporting theory.
- Formative assessment is provided by web-based tests.
- Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 19 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 19 | |
| Tutorials | 1 | 1 Hour | 1 | ||
| Practicals | 38 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 38 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 142 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| two-hour unseen written examination | 100% | ||
| Component: Continual Assessment | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| practical assessment 1 | 50% | ||
| practical assessment 2 | 50% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Calculations.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University