Undergraduate Course: Geomaterials (EASC08021)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | 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. |
| Course description |
Not entered
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
Earth Dynamics (EASC08001)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | If students have not taken Earth Dynamics, they will need the permission of the Course Organiser to take this course. |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2014/15, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 90 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| 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 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
50 %,
Coursework
50 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Exam 50%
Coursework 50% - mineral science assessment (40%) composition practical 1 (15%), Chemical Equilibrium assessment 1 (15%) and Chemical Equilibrium assessment 2 (15%)
Students MUST pass BOTH exam and coursework at a minimum of 40% EACH in order to pass this course. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Geomaterials | 3:00 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | Geomaterials | 3:00 | |
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.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Quantitative ability (through practical based mathematical calculations), observational and individual analytical skills (lab practicals) and group work through take-home class assessment exercises. |
| 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 |
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