module specification - university of leicester · 2015-08-04 · module specification no....

Module Specification

No. Assessment Description Weight % Exam Hours Ass't Group Alt Reass't

003 Examination (Final) 100 1.5

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Mark PurnellMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit

Academic Year: 2014/5Module Level: Year 1Scheme: UGDepartment: GeologyCredits: 10

Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to outline: the basic principles of evolution by natural selection; thepattern of evolutionary origins and relationships between the major groups of organisms; key evolutionary events and thebroad pattern of biodiversity change through geological time; the primary means by which stratigraphic successions areconstructed and how such methods were developed; the geological development of the British Isles. They should be abledistinguish between the important groups of fossil organisms, and to identify and outline demonstrate knowledge of their mainmorphological features. Students should be able to explain the of the important fossil groups and the scientific utility offossils, and understand how fossil and extant organisms are classified.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes, demonstrations and work sheets.

Assessment MethodsExamination

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites

Excluded Combinations-

Lectures 16Seminars

Practical Classes & Workshops 16Tutorials

FieldworkProject Supervision

Guided Independent Study 43Demonstration

Supervised time in studio/workshopWork Based Learning

PlacementYear Abroad

Total Module Hours 75

Student Workload (hours)

GL1001 Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic record: evolution and diversity through time

Last Published: 3 August 2015



001 Exam (Final) 80 1002 Assessed group practical 20

Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: David HolwellMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesOn completion of this module, succesfukl students will be able to• Define the concept of what makes a resource• Outline the major ore forming processes and deposit types• Discuss the societal impact of natural resource exploitation through group work and oral presentation• Identify common ore minerals in hand specimen• Describe how hydrocarbons are formed • Interpret seismic sections in relation to oil and gas exploration• Discuss the main alternative energy resources to fossil fuels• Outline the major processes and chemical reactions in hydrogeology

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes, small group work, independent research

Assessment MethodsExam and assessed groupwork practical

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 7Seminars








GL1002 Natural Resources and the Environment




004 Examination (Final) 60 1005 Practical work (poster) 20006 Practical work (folder - qualifying element) 20

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Andy SaundersMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to • outline the internal structure and thermal evolution of the Earth• outline the main features of the plate tectonic cycle• outline the formation of the common igneous and metamorphic rocks and their textures• and describe and explain common volcanic landforms and volcanic eruption styles.• describe and identify common igneous and metamorphic rocks in handspecimen. They should be able to use simplemathematical equations in order to estimate physical conditions in the Earth.• construct a professionally presented poster display on a named volcano or volcanic province using information from theinternet and/or published texts. The poster display will be assessed for both content and presentation, including grammar andspelling.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes and demonstrations, example sheets.

Assessment MethodsShort-answer and practical examination (60%); poster presentation and practical folder (compulsory component) (40%).Students must achieve a minimum mark of 35% in the practical folder component to pass the module.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 16Seminars








GL1014 Dynamic Earth




002 Practical tests (Final) 100

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Richard EnglandMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesOn completion of this module successful students should be able to:• Outline the principle physical and optical properties of a number of common rock forming minerals• Use a petrological microscope for the identification of crystalline materials in thin section• Describe and identify a number of common rock forming minerals in hand specimen and thin section• Complete simple quantitative exercises involving rock and mineral compositions and physical properties and havedeveloped their numerical skills• Have received instruction on maintaining a practical notebook.

Teaching and Learning MethodsHalf the module concentrates on training students to use a petrographic microscope and the other half focusses on thephysical properties, chemistry and hand specimen properties of minerals taught through a series of practicals each of whichbegins with an introductory talk.

Assessment MethodsMultiple choice tests at regular intervals during the semester designed to reinforce knowledge as the module progresses. Fullwritten feedback is provided at the end of each test. Verbal feedback is provided during the practicals.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars








GL1015 Mineralogy




002 Examination (Final) 100 1

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Michael NorryMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of, using diagrams and text: theatomic and nuclear structure of atoms and ions, the origin of the chemical elements, radioactive decay and geochronology,phase diagrams relating to crystallization of magmas, and oxygen isotopes applied to the meteoric cycle. Typical studentsshould be able to discuss rocks and minerals in terms of physical and chemical principles. Typical students should be able tocalculate properties using equations, and interpret graphical data.

Teaching and Learning MethodsAll lectures

Assessment MethodsOne hour paper with short questions.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 26Seminars

Practical Classes & WorkshopsTutorials







GL1016 Atoms to Rocks




003 Examination (Final) 80 1.5004 Practical Folder (qualifying element) 20

Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: Sarah LeeMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesOn completion of this module successful students will be able to:• Outline the main processes of terrigenous clastic sediment transport and deposition• Outline the main biogenic and chemical processes of deposition• Describe key post-depositional structures • Outline the key processes of lithification• Describe and interpret sedimentary structures and textures• Interpret processes• Apply simple mathematical equations and graphical plots to grain size analysis• Produce illustrated, technical descriptions/interpretations of sedimentary rocks.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes and demonstrations, example/best practice sheets and practice practical/theory tests.

Assessment MethodsShort answer and practical examination (80%); Submission and assessment of practical exercises (compulsory component)(20%). Students must achieve a minimum mark of 35% in the coursework component to pass the module.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


LecturesSeminars








GL1017 The Sedimentary World




003 Examination (Final) 80 1.5004 Practical work (qualifying element) 20

Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: Jan ZalasiewiczMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, a typical student should be able to: • outline and understand basic stratigraphic relationships• define the major classes of geological structure (faults, folds, unconformities)• recognise and classify structures on geological maps• construct structure contours for geological surfaces• calculate dip, true thickness and vertical thickness of beds;• extrapolate 3D geology from a 2D map• construct geological cross-sections• and define the geological history (i.e. 4D geology) of a map.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practicals and a field exercise.

Assessment MethodsShort-answer and practical examination (80%); coursework (compulsory component) (20%). Students must achieve aminimum mark of 35% in the coursework component to pass the module.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 5Seminars


Fieldwork 3Project Supervision






GL1019 Geological Maps and Structures





Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: Stewart FishwickMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, students should be able to:- Re-arrange and solve equations describing the physical properties of the Earth's Interior- Plot and use graphs to determine the rate of change of physical properties- Describe the main structural features of the Earth's Interior- Discuss variations in the Earth's topography and relate these to processes in the Earth's Interior- Explain how geophysical techniques have been used to improve our knowledge of the Earth's Interior

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures and practical classes

Assessment MethodsFormative assessment - series of in class tests. Summative assessment - examination consisting of a combination of theoryand practical components.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 16Seminars








GL1020 Micro to Macro







Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to:• outline and compare the internal structure and surface processes of the planets and their main moons• describe, at least in outline, the formation and evolution of some of the planets (and their atmospheres and moons), and aselection of the minor bodies of the Solar System• list and describe a selection of relevant interplanetary missions. • use the internet to retrieve and evaluate information.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures.

Assessment MethodsShort-answer examination.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars








GL1024 Planetary Geology




004 Examination (Final) 80 2005 Coursework Group Report 20

Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: Jan ZalasiewiczMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to describe the major processes operating in the main depositionalenvironments, and to describe and explain the nature of the resulting sedimentary successions. By the end of this module,typical students should be able to describe, identify and interpret common sedimentary minerals, textures and structures inhand specimen, thin section and field images; and work effectively as part of a small team tasked to assess and interpret avariety of sedimentary information in order to write a co-authored report on the structure and temporal evolution of a typicalsedimentary environment or environments. By the end of this module, typical students should be able to work effectively aspart of a small team tasked to write a co-authored report.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes, demonstrations, laboratory simulations of sedimentary transport, lecturer- and demonstrator-mediated group work, example sheets.

Assessment MethodsEssay and practical examination (80%); report writing on data interpretation (20%).

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars



Guided Independent Study 51Demonstration 2





GL2005 Depositional Processes and Environments




003 Examination (Final) 75 1.5004 Practical work 25

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Sarah GabbottMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to outline the major evolutionary innovations and macroecologicalevents in the history of life on Earth and their impact on the biosphere. Students will be able to outline key evolutionary concepts describing the way in which life has evolved through the course ofEarth history. Examples may include: adaptive radiation, functional morphology, the PermoTrias extinction event, humanevolution and the Cambrian explosion.

Students will be able to determine life modes of major fossil groups to reconstruct palaeoecology and describe apalaeocommunity.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes, demonstrations and work sheets including directed extra reading.

Assessment MethodsAssessment of 1 piece of groupwork in practicals, which is unknown at beginning of course. Work is done in groups but thereport is assessed individually. Examination involving essay questions.

Pre-RequisitesGL1001

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars



Guided Independent Study 50Demonstration 2





GL2038 Major Events in the History of Life: the evolutionary and ecological controls onbiodiversity





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Richard WalkerMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesAt the end of this module, a typical student should be able to:• Identify and describe, quantitatively, common geological structures• Explain deformation processes that create major rock structures• Discuss and quantify basic principles of stress and strain• Present, analyse, and interpret structural datasets• Build and manipulate a GIS• Describe the interior structure of the Earth and its geophysical imaging• Discuss theories, paradigms, concepts, and principles concerned with tectonics

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures and practical classes (3 hrs duration) for Structural Geology component. Lectures and Practicals for Plate Tectonics componentLectures and Practicals for GIS Component

Assessment Methodsshort answer and practical examination

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites

Excluded CombinationsLecturer: Dr Rich J Walker

Lectures 19Seminars








GL2040 Dynamic Lithosphere




003 Examination (Final) 80 2004 Practical work 20



Intended Learning OutcomesAt the end of this module, a typical student will be able to • describe the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks from a variety of tectonic settings• describe the processes that are responsible for generating the range of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their textures• describe and identify a range of minerals, using a variety of polarised and conoscopic light techniques• use a petrological microscope as a conoscope• describe and identify a range of minerals, igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and thin section• evaluate geochemical data pertaining to igneous systems• draw and interpret rock assemblages, mineral compositions and phase relationships on binary and ternary diagrams• manipulate mineralogical and chemical data using a numerical method. • record information and data in a laboratory notebook; manage their time and work to a deadline• make observations and interpret those observations within a scientific framework• interpret data and draw pertinent conclusions from those data.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures and practical classes

Assessment MethodsExamination; coursework (submitted practical book).

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 16Seminars








GL2043 Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Sarah GabbottMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to: outline the role and importance of Lagerstatten in understandingthe evolution, diversity and ecology of life through time; synthesise taphonomic, sedimentologic and palaeoecological data toreconstruct how exceptional preservation occurred and describe basic taphonomic principles relating to conservation andconcentration Lagerstatten.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical classes, demonstrations and work sheets including directed reading.

Assessment MethodsExamination involving structured essay and practical questions.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 10Seminars








GL2046 Exceptional Preservation





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Mike LovellMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, students should be able to:• describe and compare the characteristics and petrophysical properties of conventional and unconventional petroleumreservoirs• explain how the distribution of fluids in a conventional reservoir is controlled by the fluid and solid properties, the capillarypressure, and the porosity and permeability• describe and criticize laboratory/core and borehole /log petrophysical measurements and interpretation techniques• interpret laboratory (core) and downhole (log) petrophysical data and differentiate downhole log responses to variouslithologies and fluids• calculate petrophysical properties (such as porosity, permeability, saturation, pressure gradients and free water level), anddescribe different fluids in the reservoir, using equations and graphical data.

Teaching and Learning MethodsThe approach is a mixture of seminar-style classes composed of short lectures, and discussions together with short practicalexercises; individual work and teamwork discussions. An industry visit and/or additional seminar to Weatherford at East Leakeis included when possible.

Assessment MethodsExamination: theory and practical questions

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


LecturesSeminars 21

Practical Classes & WorkshopsTutorials







GL3042 Petroleum Reservoir Petrophysics





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Michael NorryMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesAt the end of the module, typical students should be able to critically discuss the chemical and physical interactions betweenthe mantle, crust, sediment reservoir, seawater and atmosphere and how these might have changed over geological time.They will develop their knowledge of chemical processes relevant to global change. At the end of the module, typicalstudents should be able to conduct simple calculations and base arguments on the results that they obtain. By the end ofthis module, typical students should be able to calculate properties using equations, and interpret graphical data.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures and one hour practical classes.

Assessment MethodsExam with choice of essays and compulsory practical section.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 16Seminars








GL3049 Geochemistry





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator:Mark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to:• Discuss controls on crustal rheology and deformation mechanisms• Discuss types of plate boundaries, their geometry, and their evolution through time• Synthesise multidisciplinary data sets to arrive at a tectonic interpretation• Describe the three-dimensional nature and explain distribution of geological structures• Distinguish and critique theories, paradigms, concepts, and principles concerned with tectonics.

Teaching and Learning MethodsMain topics covering tectonic processes will be provided as lectures, with accompanying practical sessions. Seminars willfocus on student-led discussions of tectonic systems. Students are expected to enhance learning through reading ofrecommended literature.

Assessment MethodsExamination only.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites

Excluded CombinationsStaff member: Dr R J Walker

Lectures 9Seminars 8






Total Module Hours


GL3060 Tectonic Processes




003 Examination (Final) 90 1.5004 Coursework 10

Period: Semester 2Occurence: ECoordinator: Sarah DaviesMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, students should be able to:• Describe a given depositional environment and its component subenvironments, using examples from the present day andthe sedimentary record • Summarise how an environment may evolve through time and explain the key controls on deposition• Discuss how key controls on deposition might be interpreted from the sedimentary record.• Distinguish and categorise surfaces (sequence boundaries, parasequence, maximum and transgressive flooding surfaces)• Correlate graphic sedimentary logs using lithostratigraphic, biostatigraphic and sequence stratigraphic methodologies• Appraise and analyse a given dataset using sequence stratigraphic concepts (e.g. identify parasequences, parasequencesets sequence boundaries, maximum and transgressive flooding surfaces and systems tracts), seismic stratigraphic concepts(identify reflection terminations, characteristics and packages) and chronostratigraphic concepts (e.g. generate achronostratigraphic diagram from a stratigraphic diagram).

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, practical exercises, discussion-based feedback on interpretations; directed study and independent study.

Assessment MethodsExam essay and practical questions (90%)1 piece of assessed coursework (10%)

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars








GL3069 Controls on Depositional Systems




003 Examination (Final) 60 1.5004 Coursework - report 40

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Mark PurnellMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to use cladistic terminology to describe phylogenetic patterns,outline basic patterns of relationships and character acquisition, and evaluate hypotheses of the ecological/functionaltransitions involved in the origins of major chordate crown groups (e.g. vertebrates, gnathostomes, actinopterygians,tetrapods, birds, and mammals). They should be able to recognize and interpret vertebrate specimens, and present theresults of analysis as a short report.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, laboratory practical classes, directed reading, demonstrations, project supervision, independent research.

Assessment MethodsEssay examination (60%), written report, based partly on laboratory work, with individual and group components (40%).

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars








GL3071 Diversity and Evolution of Vertebrates




001 Practical work - presentation (Final) 15002 Coursework - independent project 85

Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Richard WalkerMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to:• Import and manage remote-sensed datasets in 2D and 3D visualization softwares• Analyse and interpret remote-sensed datasets to produce a geological model• Explain the applications and limitations of remote-sensing techniques• Create, edit and work with georeferenced spatial data and present this clearly in appropriate formats• Present information as a scientific report and orally to a multi-disciplinary group.

Teaching and Learning MethodsStudents will learn basic concepts of GIS and remote sensing through a series of 5 lectures. Concepts will be reinforced andpracticed during 5 hands-on practical sessions, and through self-guided practice by building a working GIS. Students will alsolearn the breadth of GIS utility from their peers during student-presentation sessions (depending on student numbers).

Assessment MethodsOne student project to be presented orally (e.g., using PowerPoint or similar) during final lecture/practical slots. One 4-pageillustrated abstract (coursework) to be submitted.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 5Seminars 4


FieldworkProject Supervision 5






GL4036 Remote Sensing and GIS for Geologists





Period: Semester 1Occurence: ECoordinator: Tom HarveyMark Scheme: UG Pass for Credit


Intended Learning OutcomesAt the end of this module, typical students should be able to: synthesize knowledge of advanced palaeobiological concepts(including evolutionary patterns and processes; the role of fossils in evolutionary theory and molecular clocks; basicdevelopmental genetics; the origin animal body plans; the history of biodiversity and biodisparity) to assess and explain majorpatterns and events in the history of life.

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, seminars, discussion groups, directed reading.

Assessment MethodsEssay-style examination.

Pre-Requisites

Co-Requisites


Lectures 8Seminars








GL4067 Evolutionary Palaeobiology




001 Examination (Final) 60 3002 Coursework - mini project 20003 Coursework - mini project 20



Intended Learning OutcomesBy the end of this module, typical students should be able to • explain igneous petrogenesis, high-temperature geochemistry, and crust-mantle evolution• provide an effective evaluation of a set of geochemical data (major, trace element and isotopic)• use geochemical data in order to forward model fractional crystallisation and partial melting processes, using a spreadsheet;• prepare two short reports on an aspect of igneous petrogenesis• evaluate complex and multidimensional geochemical datasets• input, manipulate, plot and intepret data using a spreadsheet• write a report to a standard required by scientific journals

Teaching and Learning MethodsLectures, seminars, practical classes and demonstrations, and example sheets.

Assessment MethodsEssay-style answer examination and practical examination; short reports; verbal critique.

Pre-RequisitesGL2043

Co-Requisites


Lectures 32Seminars








GL4076 Igneous Petrogenesis


module specification - university of leicester · 2015-08-04 · module specification no....

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