This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module GEOL3181: CHALLENGES IN GEODYNAMICS II

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3181: CHALLENGES IN GEODYNAMICS II

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	3	20	Available in 2015/2016		Durham

Pre-requisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations

GEOL3011 Challenges in Geodynamics I

Aims

To provide students with a holistic overview of the dynamic systems that shape the solid Earth and its surface via a research-led teaching programme.
To introduce students to research methods and current research challenges in Earth Sciences.

Content

Understanding dynamic Earth systems.
The drivers of global Earth processes.
The relationship between interior and exterior processes.
Experimental design.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Evaluation of observational evidence for solid Earth processes and driving mechanisms.
Subject knowledge and understanding of geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
Subject knowledge and understanding of the structure, composition and history of the Earth and how these vary over geological timescales.
Subject knowledge and understanding in geochemical and biological processes and their role in shaping the Earth.

Subject-specific Skills

Planning and experimental design skills.
Intellectual and practical skills to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Intellectual and practical skills to critique and test existing hypotheses.
Intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
Intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
Intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

Key Skills

Student’s employability will be improved through improvements in :-
Discipline skills developed through the taught material and preparation of assignments
Critical analysis skills through peer review
Engagement with colleagues using a variety of communication and networking media
Study skills: Numeracy, IT and information skills
Interpersonal skills in class sessions
Entrepreneurial, innovation and creativity skills in project work.
Problem solving in class
Personal effectiveness in time management

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

The module is delivered through 2 terms of research-led teaching in which one-hour lectures are supported by practicals, formative exercises, group discussions and directed reading through which students learn about Earth processes and driving forces and acquire skills.
A summative, independently-researched project in which they demonstrate their familiarity with contemporary ideas and literature in the Earth sciences.
Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures and discussion/practical sessions	20	Weekly	3 hour	60	Yes
Preparation and Reading				140
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	50%	Two-hour unseen written examination		100%
Continual Assessment	50%	Research Project		100%

Formative Assessment

Feedback will be given on all practical activities and advice on exam technique given.

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.