Undergraduate Course: Structural Geology (EASC09002)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Geosciences |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Earth Science |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
Structural Geology is concerned with characterising and understanding deformation of the lithosphere. For the most part we will be focusing on crustal deformation as observed through field mapping and, to a lesser extent, seismic reflection imaging. This course aims to cover three key components:
* how to make appropriate structural observations and measurements in the field;
* how that information is represented on maps and utilised to construct cross-sections;
* how to interpret structural data in terms of the tectonic setting in which the deformation occurred.
The interpretation aspect depends crucially on recognising deformation mechanisms that occur on different scales, and understanding how these processes are controlled (primarily) by pressure-temperature conditions within the lithosphere, and thus the rheology of the rocks at the time they were deformed. We will also be concerned with sub-surface structural extrapolation, quantifying the amount of deformation that has occurred, and understanding the growth of geological structures. Where possible this course has been arranged to investigate structural aspects of material presented in Dynamic Stratigraphy of the British Isles, and is timetabled so that the topics coincide wherever possible. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | 09:00 - 09:50 | | | | | | King's Buildings | Laboratory | | 1-11 | 10:00 - 12:00 | | | | |
| First Class |
Week 2, Monday, 09:00 - 09:50, Zone: King's Buildings. 201 - Main Lecture Theatre Grant Institute |
| Additional information |
Wk1 is Intro to Earth Science 3 Lecture at 9am, please attend. Course begins week 2 |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours:Minutes |
Stationery Requirements |
Comments |
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Structural Geology | 1:30 | 8 sides | | | Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 1:30 | 8 sides | |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
This course will teach students a broad, integrated view of structural geology both as seen at the surface and interpreted to be in the subsurface. They will be able to recognise deformation mechanisms that occur on different scales and will have an understanding of how these processes are controlled (primarily) by pressure-temperature conditions within the lithosphere and thus the rheology of the rocks at the time they were deformed. This course will teach students the principal structural geology skills as well as introduce some specialised skills; Students will therefore learn:
1. How to make appropriate structural observations and measurements in the field
2. How that information is represented on maps and utilised to construct cross sections
3. How to interpret structural data in terms of the tectonic setting in which the deformation occurred.
This course will also cover sub-surface structural extrapolation, quantifying amounts of deformation, and understanding the growth of geological structures so that students can appreciate how to draw on a range of sources to make judgements. |
Assessment Information
| Degree exam (70%); practical exercise (30%) |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Patience Cowie
Tel: (0131 6)50 5886
Email: Patience.Cowie@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 7:32 am
|
University Homepage