Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module GEOL1121: Physics for Geoscientists

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL1121: Physics for Geoscientists

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2017/18 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to F600
Tied to F630
Tied to F643
Tied to F644
Tied to F662
Tied to CFG0
Tied to FGC0

Prerequisites

  • Mathematics A level at grade B or above, or a comparable qualification in Mathematics.

Corequisites

  • GEOL1081 Further Mathematics for Geoscientists

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Any module taught by the Physics Department.

Aims

  • To teach the physical principles underlying geological processes and geophysical methods of investigation.

Content

  • Principles of mechanics.
  • Earth’s gravity field; isostasy.
  • Heat and heat flow.
  • Fluids and fluid flow.
  • Stress and strain.
  • Waves: the wave equation; waves in the oceans and solid Earth.
  • Principles of electricity and magnetism: resistivity and electromagnetic methods.
  • Treatment of errors.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of topics listed in Content above.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to apply physical principles to explain geological processes.
  • Understanding geophysical phenomena and principles underlying surveying techniques.
Key Skills:
  • Critical analysis
  • Scholarship
  • Independent learning
  • Numeracy
  • Literacy
  • Problem solving

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 lectures and two-hour problems classes and practicals, supported by handouts and web-based background reading and other materials held on DUO.
  • The problems classes, staffed by lecturer plus demonstrators, teach students to how to apply the theory to problems in earth sciences. Support and feedback is given in class with model answers subsequently made available on Duo. The practicals teach students concepts of wave theory and the principles of operation of seismometers.
  • Summative assessment comprises in-class tests covering the full range of content.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 per week 1 hour 20 ■
Problem classes and practicals 20 1 per week 2 hours 40 ■
Preparation and Reading 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-hour unseen written examination 100%
Component: Continual Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class tests 100%

Formative Assessment:

Problems classes and formative assessment of practical reports.

■ 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