This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module GEOL1041: EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL1041: EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To understand the mode of formation, distribution and extraction of the Earth's resources and energy.
- To understand the hazards represented by the Earth's behaviour.
Content
- Environmental and geological hazards.
- Resources (water, ores, fossil fuels).
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- To explain the generation, migration and extraction of hydrocarbon reserves.
- Understand the formation and characteristics of the principal mineral ores.
- Comprehend the hazards represented by earthquakes and volcanoes and appreciate methods of mitigation, and understand occurrence and quality of water resources.
- 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.
- 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
- Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
- 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 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 poster presentation based on web-research, practical write up, and resource projects.
- Formative assessment is provided in practical SAQ's and revision sessions.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | Yes |
| Practicals | 40 | 1 Hour | 40 | Yes | |
| Preparation and Reading | 140 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 60% | two-hour unseen written examination | 100% | ||
| Continual Assessment | 40% | continual assessment 1 | 25% | ||
| continual assessment 2 | 25% | ||||
| continual assessment 3 | 25% | ||||
| continual assessment 4 | 25% |
Formative Assessment
Simple tests such as self assessment questions and DUO tests throughout the courses. Two pieces of formative work. Collections not required.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.