Module FOUD0297: INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0297: INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To: encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
• introduce and develop an understanding of some basic Earth Science and Physical Geography concepts.
• develop students ability to perform practicals and fieldwork using the skills of observation, and the ability to record and interpret observations.

Content

• Global Tectonics and Geological Structures: structure of the earth - crust, mantle and core.
• earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics.
• folds, faults, unconformities, bedding, jointing, dip and strike.
• The Rock Cycle, Processes and Products: Classification, formulation, textures and structures of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
• weathering.
• erosion and transportation by ice, water and wind (including glaciation and periglaciation).
• Minerals: Composition of minerals, properties of minerals.
• Introduction to Palaeontology: Fossils and palaeoenvironments, fossilisation processes.
• use of fossils for dating rocks, the geological timescale.
• Introduction to Practical Geological Skills: Practical application of some theory concentrating on descriptive, observational and interpretative skills involving the use of fieldwork, geological maps and cross sections, identification of basic rock types.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• describe the basic concepts involved in global tectonics, geological structures, the rock cycle, glaciation and fossils and palaeoenvironments.

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• identify a range of minerals, fossils, and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock samples.
• make observations and measurements from field activities and geological maps using geological knowledge and appropriate vocabulary.

• By the end of the module the students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills

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

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
• much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during practicals and the students' own time.
• knowledge and understanding of concepts will be tested by an end of module exam.
• knowledge and ability to use and apply theory will be assessed by the practical portfolio and the fieldwork report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Exercises will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material.

■ 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