Module GEOL3051: MAGMATISM

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3051: MAGMATISM

Prerequisites

• Igneous and Metamorphic Geochemistry and Petrology (GEOL2231).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To enable students to understand magmatism in the context of the thermal evolution of Earth and to use magmatism to illustrate: (1) the development and dynamics of scientific reasoning, and (2) the freedom of magmatism from the artificial sub-divisions of Earth Sciences encouraged by traditional approaches within the discipline.
• To apply their knowledge and skills in petrology to access careers requiring these.

Content

• Relationship of magmas to plate tectonic environment.
• Connections between physical and chemical properties of magmas, plate tectonic environment, mineralogy and eruptive behaviour.
• Origin of magmas and their associations.
• Properties of magmas.
• Eruption types; lavas vs explosive eruption.
• Formation of pyroclasts.
• Volcaniclastic deposits and volcanic geomorphology.
• Volcanic hazards, monitoring and prediction.

Learning Outcomes

• To understand how magmas provide physical and chemical probes into the deep structure, dynamics and evolution of Earth.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in ecological, biological and geochemical processes and their role in shaping the Earth.

• 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.

• To understand and use formal scientific reasoning.
• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Work independently and in teams.
• Develop understanding through observation, analysis and interpretation in the field.

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

• Teaching is delivered via a mixture of on-hour lectures and two-hour practical classes, supported by handouts, directed reading and web-based assignments with a one-week residential field trip.
• The principles of the subject will be re-enforced with laboratory exercises.
• Summative assessment is 100% continual and comprises assessed practical work and or tests, through which student scan demonstrate their problem solving and practical skills and theoretical comprehension.
• Formative assessment is provided via feedback to practical assignments, tests and tutorials.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Small group tutorials discussing pre-set topics. In-class discussion of assignments to describe and interpret unknown petrographic material.

■ 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