Module GEOL2221: EARTH VISUALISATION

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2221: EARTH VISUALISATION

Prerequisites

• Field Studies (GEOL1051).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce fundamental concepts of Earth observation and remote data acquisition techniques at all scales.
• To introduce concepts of digital data manipulation, processing and visualisation.
• To select and apply data manipulation and visualisation methods to example Earth structures and processes.
• To provide a skills-based training in Earth Science data and model presentation for use in contemporary and subsequent modules.

Content

• This module will be IT-based and enable students to develop skills and software usage experience suitable to the demands of modern Earth Science applications.
• It aims to introduce students to the concepts of sampling and focus on scales of observation from satellite-based through to the microscopic level.
• An understanding of the selection of appropriate method of observation will be developed together with the skills of display and interpretation of datasets of all scales.
• Practical applications and examples will include: satellite remote sensing for surface geology, resource exploration and environmental applications.
• earthquakes.
• large-scale surface topography, mapping and 3-D visualisation.
• outcrop imaging and image manipulation.
• pore- and mineral-scale processes.
• and handling images from analytical "machines".
• The process and concepts behind combined dataset display, interpretation and model creation will also be introduced via project work.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will be able to explain Earth visualisation techniques to all scale of observation.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in Earth's natural resources and the techniques used to locate and exploit them.

• Select and apply appropriate data manipulation and visualisation methods for any Earth Science application.
• Be able to operate PC- and UNIX-based visualisation software effectively.
• Plot, map and interpret Earth Science data and present results in an organised and concise fashion.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on a mix of laboratory, computer and field projects.
• 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 formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.

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

• Three hour, weekly slot which will contain a mixture of lecture-and-tutorial-based sessions and practical IT-based activities.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None.

■ 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