Module GEOL1061: MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN GEOSCIENCES

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL1061: MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN GEOSCIENCES

Prerequisites

• • NOT available to students who have passed Mathematics A level at grade B or above, or who have a comparable qualification in Mathematics.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• NOT available to students who have passed Mathematics A level at grade B or above, or who have a comparable qualification in Mathematics.

Aims

• To ensure that students on degree programmes in geosciences have an adequate background in mathematics and can apply their mathematical knowledge to the solution of problems in geosciences.

Content

• Manipulation and solution of algebraic equations that relate geological variables.
• Applications of trigonometry to geological problems.
• Vectors.
• Sketching graphs of simple functions.
• Differentiation and integration of elementary functions of a single variable with geological applications.
• Plotting data.
• Basic statistical concepts: sampling, variance, random and systematic errors.

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to tackle applications of mathematics in the geosciences involving algebra, trigonometry, basic differential and integral calculus, plotting data, sampling and estimation of errors.

• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.

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

• The module is delivered through lectures.
• Summative assessment is 100% based on a 2-hour written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Class tests 45 minutes each.

■ 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