Module GEOL1031: EARTH HISTORY AND LIFE

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL1031: EARTH HISTORY AND LIFE

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to the Earth's ecosystems, life and climate.
• To document how these have changed through geological time.
• To provide a module which simultaneously acts as a stand-alone module for all Science students wanting a basic introduction to Earth surface processes and the biosphere.

Content

• Earth Systems (biosphere, atmosphere, geosphere).
• Diversity and Evolution of Life.
• Environments and Life (principles of ecology).
• Despositional environments.
• Major chemical cycles and trends through time.
• Archean Eon, Proterozoic Eon, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Worlds.

Learning Outcomes

• To describe the main components of the Earth System and how these interact at the present day and in the past.
• To explain the origin and subsequent evolution of these systems through geological time.
• identifying important global events in their correct chronological order.
• To identify the main groups of the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic faunas.
• To relate how the principles of plate tectonics, evolution and climate change have been fundamental in fashioning Earth Systems history.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure, composition and history of the Earth/geological timescales.
• 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 the fossil record and the evolution of life.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to undertake investigations in a safe and responsible manner with regard to risk assessment, right of access, health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the environment and stakeholders.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for geological features in the laboratory and in the field.
• 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.
• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.
• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.

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

• The module is delivered through a series of flexible three-hour class meetings which will include lecture, discussion and practical exercise, and field excursions.
• All these will be supported by handouts, directed reading and web-based assignments.
• The discussions and exercises form an important component of the module encouraging learning and experience of tackling and solving problems individually in class, on DUO and in groups.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly self assessment questions. DUO quizzes.

■ 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