Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)
Module GEOL3151: EARTH STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL3151: EARTH STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2008/09 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Mathematical Methods in Geosciences (GEOL1061) orpass grade at AS level in Mathematics or grade C or above at AS Level or Scottish Highers or equivalent.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To provide a fundamental conceptual understanding of the nature of heat transfer within the mantle and how the dominant mode of heat flow is consistent with observations of internal mantle structure as inferred from seismic observations as well as surface observations of heat flow and large-scale topography.
Content
- Earthquake seismology.
- Heat flow.
- Mantle geodynamics.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- To understand why earthquakes occur and how the resulting surface deformation can be measured.
- To understand how to apply seismic observations to image mantle structure.
- To understand the processes by which heat is transferred within the solid Earth.
- To understand how the hypothesis of mantle convection can be tested and advanced by considering constraints from observations of heat flow, large-scale topography, and seismic travel times.
- 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 the structure and properties of Earth materials.
Subject-specific Skills:
- 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.
Key Skills:
- Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.
- Evaluate performance.
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 lecture and two hour practical slots, supported by handouts, directed reading and web-based material.
- The practicals form a vital component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
- Summative asessment is made up of 40% practical work through which students can demonstrate data acquisition, interpretation, reporting and other key skills.
- and 60% unseen written exam which allows students to demonstrate grasp of theoretical principles, application of methods and independent learning.
- Formative assessment is provided in SAQ's and DUO tests.
- Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills is 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 | 2 Hours | 40 | ■ | |
| Preparation and Reading | 139 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| two-hour unseen written examination | 100% | ||
| Component: Continual Assessment | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| continual assessment 1 | 25% | ||
| continual assessment 2 | 25% | ||
| continual assessment 3 | 25% | ||
| continual assessment 4 | 25% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Discussion session and review periods.
■ 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