Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE0011 Introductory Geological Sciences (IFY)

10 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr Fiona Gill
Email: f.gill@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

As per entry to IFY

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This module is intended to give an introduction to the Earth Sciences, placing importance on fundamental geological concepts and processes (dynamic Earth; plate tectonic theory; basic mineralogy and petrology; Earth history and palaeontology), and the fostering of basic geological skills (rock and mineral identification; O.S. and geological map reading).

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module a student will:
- be familiar with the basic evolution of Earth as a planet;
- be able to outline the theory of Plate Tectonics, giving examples of different types of plate boundaries and where they are found on the earth;
- have an appreciation for the dynamic nature of planet Earth and the expansiveness of geological time;
- be able to name the three major rock types and outline the main features/criteria of each;
- have knowledge of earth materials, focusing on the common rock forming silicates, oxides, sulphides/sulphates and carbonates;
- be able to identify the main rock forming minerals in hand specimen;
- understand that natural processes work to shape the landscape and also to produce rocks, and be able to link some common rocks with their environments of formation;
- have an understanding of the basics of structural geology focusing on folds, faults and dipping strata;
- be able to read an O.S. map and have knowledge of how to read geological maps;
- have an understanding of how the rock record preserves a history of past geological events (Earth system history);
- be familiar with basic concepts of palaeontology and understand how the fossil record has helped to divide up geological time;
- appreciate the wealth of economic resources exploited by geologists.

Skills outcomes
- Identification of rocks, minerals and fossils in hand specimen.
- Map reading (O.S. and geological maps).



Syllabus

The lecture course will cover the following topics:
- brief history of geology/earth science
- evolution of Earth as a planet
- plate tectonics and dynamic Earth theory
- Earth materials - introduction to petrology and mineralogy
- common rock forming silicates, oxides, sulphides, carbonates and evaporites
- rock cycle and petrology as linked to environments of formation
- igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology
- structural geology
- earth system history
- stratigraphic principles
- basic palaeontology
- geological time
- O.S. and geological maps.

The practical course will cover the following topics:
- hand specimen identification of common rocks and main rock-forming minerals; O.S. and geological map reading and interpretation; basic palaeontology

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Practical72.0014.00
Independent online learning hours15.00
Private study hours60.00
Total Contact hours25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Independent online learning:
Students will have regular online MCQ quizzes (hosted on Minerva) to complete, these will be based on that week's lecture material.

Private study:
Students will be expected to read relevant chapters from course texts that will be recommended to them, and to independently consolidate and review material covered in lectures and practicals.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Online quizzes: will help to consolidate learning from week to week.

Practical work: will be marked during the practicals, allowing students to check their progress from week to week and seek out help in subsequent sessions when needed.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course MCQOnline Quiz to take place under examination conditions in week 20.10.00
PracticalPractical lab work will be assessed with a summative test in the final practical20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

The module re-sit will take the form of the Theory exam.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 15 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

The module re-sit will take the form of the Theory exam.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:46:32

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019