2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0191 Geological Sciences

25 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Katy Dobson
Email: K.L.Dobson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module requires no prior knowledge of geoscience and intends to teach fundamental concepts within geosciences such as geological time, plate tectonics, earth materials and geological structures. The formation and development of the Earth will be considered with reference to the interactions between the geosphere and biosphere which will allow you develop a reconstruction of the geologic history of the UK. During this module you will be expected to apply knowledge gained from lectures, in workshops, and via independent study to develop an understanding of the geosphere and the biosphere, and the geologic history of the UK based on direct observation and abstract concepts.

Objectives

To introduce and develop an understanding of basic Earth Science and Environmental Science concepts whilst participating in practicals and fieldwork to record and interpret observations. To introduce and develop an understanding of basic Earth Science and Environmental Science concepts whilst participating in practicals and fieldwork to record and interpret observations.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the formation, composition and likely geographical location of various rock types
2. Use appropriate language to describe minerals and rocks
3. Use data to infer and support earth science concepts
4. Identify key ethical issues associated in the earth sciences
5. Describe the basic concepts involved in the evolution of life on earth
6. Appreciate the dynamic nature of planet Earth and the expansiveness of geological time
7. Relate field measurements to theoretical knowledge
8. Relate the interdisciplinary connections between biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics as applied to geoscience

Skills outcomes
There are 2 field trips during which the students are introduced to:
1. Water and soil collection: basic field testing devices are used to analyse water samples; these samples are then used in labs within the Geochemistry (LLLC0183) module
2. Geological field work: locating sample positions on a map and taking accurate field observations and relevant measurements.

Syllabus

The content will cover areas such as:
Geological time scale
Earth materials - introduction to petrology and mineralogy
Structural geology; Earth system history (rock record, paleoenvironments)
Stratigraphic principles
Basic geological maps
Evolution of the biosphere
Plate tectonics and dynamic Earth theory
Geologic history of the UK
Introductory field skills

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	16	2.00	32.00
Fieldwork	1	3.00	3.00
Fieldwork	1	7.00	7.00
Lecture	15	2.00	30.00
Independent online learning hours			50.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			72.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			250.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources 50
Private study:
Reading 38
Working problem sets 20
Preparing coursework 30
Preparation for workshop sessions 40

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In the first semester coursework will be predominately summative to encourage student engagement with the academic content and with the practice of independent study. In the second semester this scaffolding is removed and the focus shifts to more formative assessment to further develop the appropriate skills as independent learners to support undergraduate study.
General feedback on assignment performance will be posted on Minerva, while individual feedback will also be provided upon marking of assignments. Students will also participate in self and peer review across the foundation year.
Reflection with lecture wrapper activities and workshops where example questions are reviewed.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	2,000 word Field Report	15.00
Written Work	4 x 2 hour problem sets	20.00
In-course Assessment	40 minute in course exam	5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Due to the developmental and pedagogical nature of some assessments and timings, there is not a viable opportunity to provide a resit for the following: Science mid-terms in the first semester; laboratory sessions provided by external departments, or after a coursework deadline has passed and the model answers have been shared. If a student fails the module coursework, the resit opportunity will be to sit the exam during the July resit period. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board. Attendance is required for coursework elements which are linked to an assessment available only at that specific time, such as fieldwork and midterms. For fieldwork, an alternative assessment can be made available.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr 30 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity. In order to receive credit for the module exam components should be a pass.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/02/2022

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