CSM1042 | 2020 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Dynamic Planet	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	CSM1042	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Robin Shail (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	10	0	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	50

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a concise overview of what geology involves, including its practical applications (volcanic and seismic risk, rock engineering, mineral and hydrocarbon resources). In lectures you will learn about minerals and the principal rock types and how they form as well as the internal structure of the Earth and how plate tectonics controls many processes and large-scale geomorphological features. In practicals you will learn about the identification and classification of the principal mineral and rock groups, including ore specimens, and how to interpret simple geological maps. Prior knowledge and skills are not required to take this module; it is suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module provides an overview of the origin and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, and the formation, classification and applied significance of minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and geological structures.

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 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Earths internal structure, plate tectonics and the internal and surface processes that control geological evolution

2 Describe and classify common minerals and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and demonstrate an understanding of how they form

3 Describe and classify geological structures and demonstrate an understanding of how they are formed

4 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic stratigraphical principles and geological histories and methods for the determination of the relative and absolute ages of rock successions

5 Recognise and interpret the outcrop patterns produced on geological maps by horizontal and inclined strata, igneous intrusions, folds, faults and angular unconformities

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

6 Synthesise data from different scales (microscopic to planetary) and disciplines into simple, but coherent, models of the geological processes and evolution

7 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the applied significance of geology in relation to the occurrence of natural resources and natural hazards, the engineering behaviour of rock masses and the environmental impact of mineral extraction

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge

8 work within an appropriate ethos and use and access a range of learning resources

9 apply given methods accurately and carefully to a well defined problem and begin to appreciate the complexity of the issues in the discipline

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- overview of module, Earth structure and plate tectonics, internal structure of Earth, introduction to minerals/rock groups and stratigraphy;

- continental drift, sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics;

- sedimentology and surface processes: the description and classification of sedimentary rocks, physical properties of fluid flows resulting in sediment transport and deposition, major depositional environments, introduction to palaeontology and further examples of stratigraphy;

- igneous and metamorphic petrology: igneous activity at the present day, classification of igneous rocks, major processes responsible for common igneous phenomena, contact and regional metamorphism, processes and products;

- structural geology: the nature, classification and applied significance of structures formed during deformation of the lithosphere, controls on the rheology of geological materials, outcrop patterns of simple structures on geological maps.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	45	Guided Independent Study	105	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activity	27	Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activity	18	Practicals
Guided independent study	105

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
Online Quizzes	5 x 30 minutes	1-7	Online

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	40	Written Exams	60	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Examination	60	1.5 hours	1-9	Tutor meeting
Assessed practical	40	1.5 hours	2-7, 9	Written feedback

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
As above	Examination/practical	All	August Ref/Def period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above 1 piece of CW 40% and/or 1 Exam 60%

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

Web based and electronic resources:

Full range of lecture PowerPoints available on ELE, together with links to other learning resources.

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN
Set	Marshak, S.	Earth: portrait of a planet	6th international student ed.	W.W. Norton, London	2018	9780393640137

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

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	Friday 17th July 2020

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Geology; mineralogy; plate tectonics; sedimentology; igneous petrology; metamorphic petrology; structural geology.

Dynamic Planet - 2020 entry