Module GEOL4071: LITERATURE REVIEW

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL4071: LITERATURE REVIEW

Prerequisites

• Dissertation module (GEOL3022).

Corequisites

• Research Project (GEOL4053).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop literature and IT-based research skills in Earth Science via the completion of a literature-based review.

Content

• The dissertation will be in the form of a review existing literature on a subject chosen by the students to suit his/her interests or to be complimentary with the specific subject matter of the co-requisite Research Project (GEOL4053).
• Topics will normally be allied to and informed by department staff research interests.
• Instruction and guidance will be given on focus and report preparation and presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• The student will learn how to summarise and present information from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources into a coherent and concise summary of the field using a range of IT facilities.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.

• To be able to present information from a wide variety of interdisciplinary sources into a coherent and concise summary using range of IT applications.
• To be able to present and explain various points of view in a particular field and argue and justify a particular preferred position.
• To be able to plan and execute an independent piece of literature-based research and communicate the results of this research effectively in written and verbal forms.
• To be able to critically assess research ideas and formulate and justify an opinion.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on mix of laboratory and field projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
• Identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will receive a one hour introductory lecture on the planning and execution of literature reviews, plus extensive written guidance materials, and tutorials that cover time-management, planning, progress, focus and presentation skills.
• The literature review will be summatively assessed via the production of a written report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Performed via supervisor marking of draft parts of the dissertation.

■ 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