Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module GEOL3181: CHALLENGES IN GEODYNAMICS II

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3181: CHALLENGES IN GEODYNAMICS II

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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
Lectures and discussion/practical sessions 20 Weekly 3 hour 60 ■
Preparation and Reading 140
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 Project 100%

Formative Assessment:

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

■ 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