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 GEOL3151: EARTH STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL3151: EARTH STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- 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 Combinations
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | Yes |
| Tutorials | 1 | 1 Hour | 1 | Yes | |
| Practicals | 20 | 2 Hours | 40 | Yes | |
| Preparation and Reading | 139 | ||||
| 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
Discussion session and review periods.
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.