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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Earth Dynamics (EASC08001)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaEarth Science Other subject areaEnvironmental Courses
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionVolcanoes, 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 (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs NONE
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  208
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLaboratory1-11 14:00 - 17:00or 09:00 - 12:00or 14:00 - 17:00or 14:00 - 17:00or 14:00 - 17:00
CentralLecture1-11 10:00 - 10:50
CentralLecture1-11 10:00 - 10:50
CentralLecture1-11 10:00 - 10:50
First Class Week 1, Monday, 10:00 - 10:50, Zone: Central. LT2, Appleton Tower
Additional information Practical classes Mon 2-5pm or Tue 9-12noon, or Wed 2-5pm or Thur 2-5pm or Fri 2-5pm.
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Earth Dynamics1:30
Resit Exam Diet (August)1:30
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%
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
KeywordsEarth_Dynamics
Contacts
Course organiserProf Simon Harley
Tel: (0131 6)50 8547
Email: s.harley@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Nicola Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 4842
Email: Nikki.Muir@ed.ac.uk
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© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 5:53 am