Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)
Module GEOL2011: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL2011: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2007/08 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- How the Earth Works (GEOL1011).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To understand the description and analysis of deformation structures, processes and systems in the Earth.
Content
- Introduction: Stress and faulting: hydraulic fracture and fluid flow in faults/fracture systems.
- strain - ellipsoids and volume change.
- material lines - coaxial vs non-coaxial strain.
- heterogeneous strain.
- regional analysis of structures.
- stereonets.
- polyphase deformation.
- fault rocks and shear sense indicators.
- crustal deformation.
- tectonics: rhelogy and thermal structure of the lithosphere.
- collision zones and thrust belts.
- rift systems and extensional fault systems.
- strike-slip faults and terrane tectonics.
- scale invariance and structural self-organisation.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- To systematically describe and critically assess the main characteristics of natural deformation systems.
- To relate natural structures to causative tectonic processes.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply structural geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret structural geological data.
Key Skills:
- To develop spatial awareness skills to facilitate three-dimensional thinking and analysis.
- Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
- Solve numerical problems using 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 practicals, supported by handouts and web-based background reading and other materials held on DUO.
- The practicals form an important component of the module allowing hands-on learning and experience of tackling and solving graphical-based problems that help re-enforce key concepts introduced during lectures.
- Summative assessment comprises a test (30%) through which students can demonstrate practical skills.
- a group poster (5%) which allows demonstration of key skills and teamwork.
- a project (15%) which allows students to demonstrate independent learning and key skills.
- and an unseen written exam (50%).
- Formative assessment is provided in practical SAQ's and revision sessions.
- Guidance on preparation , key and exam skills are provided.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | |
| Tutorials | 1 | 1 Hour | 1 | ||
| Practicals | 20 | Weekly | 2 Hours | 40 | |
| 1 day field trip within term-time (held on a Sat or Sun) | 1 | 1 day | 10 | ||
| Preparation and Reading | 129 | ||||
| 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 test | 50% | ||
| Individual poster-based presentation | 50% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Practical SAQs and revision sessions.
■ 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