Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module GEOL3011: DYNAMIC EARTH I

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3011: DYNAMIC EARTH I

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Dynamic Earth II (GEOL3181).

Aims

  • To provide students with a holistic overview of the solid Earth as a dynamic system.

Content

  • Observational evidence for solid Earth processes.
  • Evaluation of the evidence for interaction between the forces that drive plate tectonics.
  • Plan experiments to investigate geodynamic phenomena.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Relate observational evidence to solid Earth processes.
  • Review and evaluate the evidence for interaction between the forces that drive plate tectonics.
  • 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Plan experiments to investigate geodynamic phenomena.
  • 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.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.
Key Skills:
  • Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
  • Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • Evaluate own learning evolution and plan learning strategy.

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

  • The module is delivered through a term of one-hour lectures supported by handouts and directed reading in which the students will learn about the interaction of forces driving solid earth processes.
  • A fieldtrip to Cyprus will be conducted to train students in relating geological observations to these processes.
  • In the second term students will conduct summatively-assessed, independently-researched essays and projects in which they will be required to demonstrate their familiarity with contemporary ideas and literature in the earth sciences.
  • There will also be a report on a seminar delivered as part of the department's research seminar series and an unseen exam to test understanding of underlying theory.
  • Formative assessment will take place during the first term.
  • Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 19 Weekly 2 Hour 38 ■
Tutorials 1 1 Hour 1 ■
Seminars 19 2 Hour 38 ■
Fieldwork 1 Annual 56 Hours 56 ■
Preparation and Reading 67
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-hour unseen written examination 100%
Component: Continual Assessment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Research report 1 10%
Research project 40%
Field trip 50%

Formative Assessment:

Written Report.

■ 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