Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module GELG1027: Understanding Earth Sciences 1
Department: Global Wuhan
GELG1027: Understanding Earth Sciences 1
| Type | Tied | Level | 1 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Other |
|---|
| Tied to | F652 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | F668 |
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- Understanding Earth Sciences 1 gives an overview of how the Earth works via a number of global-scale processes, systems and cycles. It focuses on the present Earth, and works from the assumption that physical and chemical laws are unchanging over time, even if the conditions are very different. Several examples are used where there are no obvious modern analogues, so an understanding of physical principles is needed.
- Aims:
- Introduce the following fundamental subject areas within Earth Sciences: Petrology, Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Introduce a systems approach to thinking about Earth features
- Show how Earth Sciences understanding for individuals, and a community, is derived from research processes
Content
- Plate tectonic principles, processes and the evidence base
- Plate tectonic cycles and global and regional climate
- Structural features of the continents and oceans and techniques for their analysis
- Principles of melt generation/magmatism
- Metamorphic reactions and assemblages
- Chemical cycling and crustal growth
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Petrology: understand the principles of melt generation/magmatism and of metamorphic reactions and assemblages. Relationships to chemical cycling and crustal growth
- Structural geology and tectonics: main structural features of the continents and oceans and techniques for their analysis. Relationships to plate tectonic cycles and global and regional climate
Subject-specific Skills:
- Understanding of research methodologies in Earth Sciences, and an appreciation of the specific research foci in Durham Earth Sciences
Key Skills:
- • Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data sets
- Inter-relation of different branches of science
- Writing skills
- Identifying and avoiding plagiarism
- Use and misuse of generative AI
- Finding, accessing and citing scientific literature
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- This module will be delivered through lectures with integrated practical components. Practical components will expand on concepts introduced in lectures and provide hands-on experience with geological materials and analytical techniques.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 40 | 8 per week | 1 hour | 40 | Yes ■ |
| Self-Directed Study | 60 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| On Campus Written Examination | 2.5 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Opportunities for discussion and feedback are provided during the practical components of the lectures.
■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.