2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5608M Environmental Geology in Northern Ireland
10 creditsClass Size: 5
Module manager: Prof Simon Bottrell
Email: s.h.bottrell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is mutually exclusive with
| SOEE3720 | Environmental Geology in Northern Ireland |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This Module explores the geological and geomorphological evidence for the rapidly changing environment in Northern Ireland over the past ~25,000 years. This is done through the field study of both erosional and depositional features and these are used to reconstruct a sequence of events that took place in the region after the last glacial maximum. This is continued to consider present day processes of sediment transport, soil formation, hydrology and hydrogeology.Objectives
The objectives of this module are:- To enhance student experience of interpreting field – based observations in the following braches of earth sciences: sediment diagenesis and soil processes, sedimentary petrology, Quaternary geology.
- To apply information from field observations to understanding the glacial history of the Sperrin Mountains and Irish Sea areas
- To apply information from field observations to understanding processes in recent sediments and soils
- To investigate the hydrology of the Cuilcagh mountain karst and other areas
- To integrate information from all field trip activities with previous desk-based research into models of Devensian glaciation of the British Isles to illuminate the Quaternary geological development of Northern Ireland.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will have:
A systematic understanding of the current models of Devensian glaciation and deglaciation in Northern Ireland (and the British Isles more generally) and an awareness of the data on which that is based and its limitations.
Practical experience of techniques used in the characterization of terrestrial sediments and the critical interpretation of the data gained.
Demonstrated an ability to undertake independent learning and to integrate the findings with their own field observations and thereby critically evaluate current research.
Skills outcomes
Sedimentology and morphology of Quaternary terrestrial deposits.
Syllabus
1. Tutorial supported, library-based research into the Devensian glaciation of the British Isles
2. Hydrology, hydrogeology and landfoms of the Cuilcagh karst
3. Quaternary geology of the southern Sperrin Mountains
4. Quaternary record of the deglaciation of the Irish Sea
5. Collection of stream and other sediments, clast analysis (lithology, morphology) and interpretation of the data
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 7 | 8.00 | 56.00 |
| Group learning | 1 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Lecture | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 33.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 67.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Preparation for field course and in-course presentation:Background reading and preparation of presentation: 18 hrs
Production of written assessments:
1. Sediment transport processes report to be constructed and annotated during the field course (5 hrs)
2. Report integrating initial research with field observations and written post field course. (10 hrs)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Review of progress during tutorials.Multiple opportunities for interactions during the fieldclass both for in-trip report and synthesis of observations.
Feedback on in-trip report prior to submission of final essay.
Feedback on formative presentation.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | Essay (2,500 words) | 60.00 |
| Report | Report (1,200 words) | 40.00 |
| Presentation | Presentation (15 mins) | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 04/10/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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