Study information

Field Geology and Geological Maps - 2020 entry

MODULE TITLEField Geology and Geological Maps CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODECSM1036 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 1-11 1-11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will learn how to describe and interpret rocks and their structures using field-based exposures of the  world class Cornish geology on your doorstep. We will teach you how to be a field geologist using a combination of class-room and field-based exposures, including nine one-day field classes to a range of iconic localities that can be reached with no more than one hour’s drive, and you’ll be home in time for tea on every occasion! In practical classes, you will also learn how to decode the geological history of an area by reading and interpreting a geological map. This module culminates in a week-long field course in Pembrokeshire where you get to consolidate and expand on the skills you have learned throughout the year.

AIMS - intentions of the module

Field Geology and Geological Maps aims to introduce Level 1 students to the recording, analysis and synthesis of geological data based on field exposures. In addition, the module also introduces the principles of geological mapping, the interpretation of geological maps and the preparation of geological cross sections. By the end of the module, the students will be confidently able to collect field data from a range of geological settings, interpret geological processes and test hypotheses on the basis of these data. Students will also be able to understand how to read geological maps and construct cross-sections.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 prepare clear detailed legible field notes, sketches, graphic sedimentary logs, and small-scale plans/maps and cross-sections;
2 describe a range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types based on field-based exposures;
3 measure and record planar and linear structural data. Describe and record folds, foliations and faults from field-based exposures;
4 locate yourself accurately using a compass and base map, and develop the ability to "read" a base map to locate yourself;
5 understand the basic principles of geological mapping and stratigraphy including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy; 6 describe macrofossils and trace fossils within their sedimentological context based on field-based exposures;
7 describe and record sedimentary structures and understand their significance in terms of identifying the younging direction in a deformed area; 8 have a general understanding of field safety issues and risk assessment;
9 understand the application of lithostratigraphy in geological mapping;
10 understand how geology is represented on geological maps and how outcrop patterns reflect the interaction between the shape and orientation of geological units and topography;
11 demonstrate how geological maps can be used to interpret the geology and geological history of an area; 12 construct geological cross-sections from geological map data;
13 interpret the geology of several areas of the UK using geological maps.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
14 transfer information gained through formal taught modules e.g. Dynamic Planet (CSM1042) to a field-based scenario; 
15 visualise in three-dimensions.
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
16 problem solve;
17 synthesise a range of data;
18 work with, and relate to, others
19 collect data and communicate in a variety of formats.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Geological maps
This part of the module develops material covered in practicals 8-9 of the Dynamic Planet module (CSM1042) in Semester 1. Weeks 1-4 are based on problem maps while weeks 4510 use real geological maps at a variety of scales.
 
Topics covered are:
- simple models of outcrop geometries associated with horizontal, vertical and inclined layers and those generated in folded and faulted sequences;
- unconformities and procedures for deciphering geological histories from geological maps;
 
Lectures cover:
- health and safety and first aid; geological field equipment; data recording - notes, sketches, graphic logs; hand specimen recognition of rocks and minerals; the compass clinometer and the measurement of planar and linear features; definition of mappable units; data recording on field slips;
 
Skills developed during fieldwork include:
- locating oneself on a map;
- description of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks;
- recording structural data and the description of folds, foliations and faults; description of sedimentary structures; description of macrofossils and trace fossils from field-based exposures;
- data recording on field slips, maps, notebooks etc;
- preparing geological cross sections;
- synthesising field data and interpretation.
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 168 Guided Independent Study 132 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activity 39 Lectures (8 hrs), 10 practical sessions (30 hrs) and 1-hr Pembrokeshire field course
Scheduled learning and teaching activity 131 Fieldwork
Guided independent study 130 Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 75 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 25
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Notebooks term 1 5   1, 2, 3, 8, 14-18 Feedback on notebooks and marking proformas
Notebooks term 2 (inluding an assessed exercise) 20   1-3, 7, 8, 14-18 Feedback on notebooks and marking proformas
Practical exam 25 2 hours 9-16 Tutor meeting
Assessment of Pembrokeshire fieldcourse 50   1-9, 13-18 Group and individual feedback on ELE and on work

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Summative assessment Additional assessment As above August Ref/Def period
Summative assessment Additional assessment As above August Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above – CW1 (5%), CW2 (20%) and/or CW3 (50%) 1 piece of CW 75% and/or 1 Exam 25%

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:                                                                                                                                                               

Lisle, R.J. 1995. (see reading list for details)

Maltman, R. 1998. (see reading list for details)                                                                                                                                                                               

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and electronic resources:

UK Geological Maps: www.bgs.ac.uk/education/geology_of_britain/home.html 

The British Geological Survey Geology of Britain web pages: www.bgs.ac.uk/education/makeamap/home.html

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Coe, A.L., Argles, T.W., Rothery, D.A., Spicer, R.A. Geological field techniques 1 (e-book) John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2010
Set Jerram, D. and Petford, N. The Field Description of Igneous Rocks. 31 (2) (e-book) John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2011
Set Lisle, R.J. Geological Structures and Maps (e-book) Butterworth Heinemann 2003
Set Lisle, R.J., Brabham P., Barnes, J.W. Basic Geological Mapping. Geological Field Guide Ser. 34 (5) (e-book) John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2011
Set Tucker, M.E. Sedimentary Rocks in the Field. A practical Guide. Geological Field Guide Ser. 38 (4) (e-book) John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2011
CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 19th January 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH Field geology; geological techniques; mapping.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.