Module GEOL2377: Tectonics

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2377: Tectonics

Prerequisites

• • GEOL1101 Understanding Earth Sciences and GEOL1051 Field Studies.

Corequisites

• • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • None.

Aims

• To understand the description and analysis of deformation structures, processes and systems in the Earth, including the relationship between tectonics and surface processes.

Content

• Crustal and lithospheric deformation.
• Tectonics: rhelogy and thermal structure of the lithosphere.
• Collision zones and thrust belts.
• Rift systems and extensional fault systems.
• Strike-slip faults and terrane tectonics.
• Oblique tectonics and plate boundaries.
• Magmatism and tectonics.

Learning Outcomes

• To systematically describe and critically assess the main characteristics of large scale natural tectonic systems.
• To relate crustal- and lithospheric-scale structures to causative tectonic processes.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret regional to plate boundary scale geological data.

• To develop spatial awareness skills to facilitate three- and four-dimensional thinking and analysis.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and software packages.
• To appreciate how knowledge and techniques gained during the course can have industrial application (e.g. during geothermal, Carbon Capture Storage applications or mineral exploration and hence raise students’ awareness of relevant employment opportunities within these sectors.
• Critical analysis, research capability: Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Practical competency: Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Independent learning, numeracy, IT skills, information skills, literacy.
• Initiative and drive, innovation and creativity, problem solving.
• Effectively communicating complex ideas.
• Time management.

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 practicals, supported by handouts and web-based background reading and other materials held on Ultra.
• Assessments, lectures and practicals include research-led, research-based and research-oriented material. Research-led material includes relevant examples from tectonic settings at plate boundaries around the world and will introduce students to relevant scientific articles in international, peer review journals.
• The practicals form an important component of the module allowing hands-on learning and experience of tackling and solving a range of tectonics-based problems based on real datasets, from regional to large, plate boundary scale. The practical sessions are aimed at re-enforcing key concepts introduced during lectures.
• Summative assessment is 100% based on a 2-hour written examination.
• Guidance on preparation and key skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided in practical classes including model answers revision sessions, which are also posted on Ultra.

■ 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