BSc Geology

Year 2

(Award available for year: Diploma of Higher Education)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
• demonstrate a broad understanding of the concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features in a range of aspects of the discipline; such as the processes of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, the roles of geochemistry and geophysics in understanding the Earth and its processes; and the structure and plate tectonics of the Earth and the role recent surface processes play in the shaping of the landscape, including experience in instrumental and sampling techniques in the field.
• apply generic and subject specific intellectual qualities to standard situations outside the context in which they were originally studied; for example, translating classroom knowledge to independent fieldwork.
• employ the main methods of enquiry in the subject and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of enquiry, i.e. reinforce the ability to integrate laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge through advanced instrumental and fieldwork problem solving.
• use and evaluate a range of techniques to initiate and undertake the analysis of data and information such as a deeper understanding and working knowledge of how to construct and interpret geological maps and cross-sections through increased exposure to field work.
• explain and apply professional and disciplinary boundaries; e.g. analysis and communicate the economic and ethical implications of the utilisation of geological resources.
• effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms;
• engage with carrying out fieldwork and independent research safely, ethically and in line with professional standards, and use research practices within the field of geological sciences.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
• demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment related to the subject area(s) studied such as enhanced development of data presentation via oral presentations, posters, technical reports and essays.
• demonstrate the skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility such as the ability to work independently and as part of a team; to demonstrate the ability of critical reflection and synoptic thinking to aid data interpretation and synthesis.
• demonstrate decision making; e.g., an enhanced ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to problem solving associated with the discipline, including dealing with open-ended real-world problems.
• apply the mathematical and statistical skills necessary to understand the quantitative and theoretical aspects of the subject and to handle data sets.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
• demonstrating the ability to apply a broad range of aspects/competencies of the discipline/profession to complex, albeit standard, situations and simple, albeit novel or atypical, instances;
• work that is often descriptive in nature but drawing on a wide variety of material;
• demonstrating basic professional competencies relevant to the discipline;
• the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;