Undergraduate Course: Earth Dynamics (EASC08001)
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 08 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Earth Science |
Other subject area |
Environmental Courses |
| Course website |
None |
|
|
| Course description |
Volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain chains and the diversity of the Earth's rocks tell us that the Earth has been a dynamic planet since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. This course has two main aims: to impart an understanding of the processes which shape the Earth, and to develop practical skills in recognising the evidence of these processes in rocks, both in the field and in the laboratory. The course will have a primary focus on the materials of which the Earth is made, how the major constituents are distributed between core, mantle and crust and how this changes with time through the agencies of plate tectonics and volcanism. From this viewpoint of underlying process, the course will also consider the inherent availability of natural resources and the potential for predicting natural hazards. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
NONE |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: 208 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| King's Buildings | Laboratory | | 1-11 | 14:00 - 17:00 | or 09:00 - 12:00 | or 14:00 - 17:00 | or 14:00 - 17:00 | or 14:00 - 17:00 | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | 10:00 - 10:50 | | | | | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | | 10:00 - 10:50 | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | 10:00 - 10:50 | | |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| Additional information |
Practical classes Mon 2-5pm or Tue 9-12noon, or Wed 2-5pm or Thur 2-5pm or Fri 2-5pm. |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| Students will develop a broad understanding of key, defining geological concepts and theories: the internal divisions of the earth and its dynamic evolution via plate tectonic processes, the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the mechanisms by which rocks deform and break at depth in the Earth, and the dynamic geological settings in which these processes operate. This will be achieved through routine, geological techniques: practical thin section and hand specimen analysis, fieldwork and ICT exercises. These ICT exercises will involve interpretation of deep earth processes from geophysical data sets and virtual fieldwork exercises. Practical classes will be the basis for investigating professional level problems and issues to formulate evidence-based solutions using the techniques listed above. During these practical sessions students are expected to manage their time effectively and work both independently and with others. |
Assessment Information
Practical Portfolio 40%
Theory Exam (2 hours) 60% |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Prof Simon Harley
Tel: (0131 6)50 8547
Email: s.harley@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 5:47 am
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