Undergraduate Course: Geomaterials (EASC08021)
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 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Earth Science |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | In this course we explore the fundamental nature of the material which constitutes the Earth and other planets. In the Mineral Science section we consider how atoms are arranged in crystalline materials and how this ultimately governs the nature of geomaterials. Interaction of crystalline materials with light, X-rays and electrons are used to introduce the theoretical and practical basis behind the polarising microscope, X-ray diffraction and electron microscope/microprobe. In Composition of the Earth we review the main groups of Earth Materials, considering (1) how structure, chemistry, physical properties, and occurrence are interrelated, (2) how earth materials are used in modern research as ¿information sources¿ to reveal the nature of Earth processes, and (3) introduce theoretical aspects of modern Earth Materials research (e.g. phase stability and transitions). In the final section Chemical Equilibria we consider how the stability and occurrence of geomaterials can be predicted and determined numerically using thermodynamics, and consider factors governing the rates of Earth processes at variable depths. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Learn enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
|
Web Timetable |
Web Timetable |
| Course Start Date |
16/09/2013 |
| Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 22,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 55,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
119 )
|
| Additional Notes |
|
| Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) |
Written Exam
50 %,
Coursework
50 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Geomaterials | 3:00 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | Geomaterials | 3:00 | |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| The main learning outcome is the broad knowledge and understanding of the constituent minerals which make up the Earth, and how the study of minerals can be used to understand Earth processes at variable depths. In the first part of the course, students will learn how to identify, describe and interpret geomaterials from an atomic level to a hand specimen scale, and will be introduced to the main methods used to study minerals in modern geoscience research. Students will then be introduced to the most important groups of Earth materials and develop an understanding of the relations between different groups of materials, their occurrence, formation and stability, and how this information can be used to understand processes occurring on the Earth. In the final section students will learn how stability of earth materials can be predicted and determined using thermodynamics, and how the rates of atomic processes govern Earth processes. Students are actively encouraged to discuss academic problems with fellow students and to work in collaboration: invaluable transferable skills. This course will develop student¿s theoretical understanding of the study of Earth materials, observational and analytical skills, and numerical skills through lectures and lab-based practicals. |
Assessment Information
Exam 50%
Coursework 50% - composition practicals 1 (20%), Chemical Equilibrium assessment 1 (15%) and Chemical Equilibrium assessment 2 (15%) |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Quantitative ability (through practical based mathematical calculations), observational and individual analytical skills (lab practicals) and group work through take-home class assessment exercises. |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Lectures and practicals. |
| Keywords | Geomaterials |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Geoffrey Bromiley
Tel: (0131 6)50 8519
Email: geoffrey.bromiley@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Nicola Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 4842
Email: Nikki.Muir@ed.ac.uk |
|
© Copyright 2013 The University of Edinburgh - 13 January 2014 3:51 am
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