Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)
Module FOUD0877: Foundation Earth Science and Physical Geography
Department: Foundation Year (Durham)
FOUD0877: Foundation Earth Science and Physical Geography
Type | Open | Level | 0 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2019/20 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
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Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To introduce students to a range of foundational concepts in Earth Science and Physical Geography
- To introduce practical fieldwork and develop students ability to use observation, and the ability to record and interpret observations.
- To introduce students to a range of vocabulary essential for a critical understanding of Earth Science and Physical Geography
- To prepare students for future studies in Higher Education.
Content
- Earth Science and Physical Geography topics such as:
- Structure of the earth: crust, mantle and core.
- The Rock Cycle, Processes and Products: classification, formation, textures and structures of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Identification of basic rock types.
- Minerals: Composition of minerals, properties of minerals.
- Global Tectonics: Earthquakes, volcanoes.
- Rock deformation: folds, faults, unconformities, bedding, jointing, dip and strike.
- Weathering, erosion and transportation by ice, water and wind.
- Introduction to Palaeontology: Fossils and palaeoenvironments, fossilisation processes.
- Geological timescale.
- Introduction to practical geological and physical geography skills: Practical application of some theory concentrating on descriptive, observational and interpretative skills involving the use of fieldwork, geological maps and cross sections.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- By the end of the programme students will have:
- 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
- 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods
- 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary
Subject-specific Skills:
- By the end of the programme students will be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
- 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods
- 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary
Key Skills:
- By the end of the programme students will be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
- 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
- 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
- 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Seminars, Workshops and Fieldwork
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seminars & Workshops | 8 | Weekly | 3 | 24 | |
Fieldwork | 2 | 2 during module | 7 | 14 | |
Preparation & Reading | 62 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Test | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Test | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
Component: Portfolio | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Portfolio of tasks | various | 100% | Yes |
Component: Field Report | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
2 Field Reports | various | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment:
Class work exercises
■ 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