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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Cyprus Excursion and Synoptic Practical for Geology and Physical Geographers (EASC10069)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course consists of three elements, namely:

1. A 2 week field course in Cyprus (running from April 8th - 23rd) that focuses on the geology and geomorphology of the Island. This component integrates all the bedrock geology including the outstanding Ophiolite sequence that records the igneous and sedimentary record of oceanic crust. The timing of deformational, sedimentary and geomorphic processes is placed in the regional tectonic context of the eastern Mediterranean. Prior to the field course, the students attend 8 lectures that document the geological history of the island.

2. An half day of lectures and practical work based around understanding eustatic versus local relative sea-level change, glacio-eustacy, and the formation of terraces. This is followed by a GIS exercise and topographic analysis of Cyprus in relation to its geology. This component runs prior to the field course and enables students to consider how topographic characteristics such as elevation, relief and long river profiles relate to bedrock geology and relative uplift of the island. This component links closely to the final two days fieldwork of the trip where the river and marine terraces are analysed. It is essential that students attend all of these lectures or they will not get the most out of the field excursion.

3. A Synoptic Practical exam that covers a broad range of topics analysed in the context of a particular region (not Cyprus). The Examination will involve defining, interpreting and synthesising the geological and/or geomorphological history and evolution of an area given in a geological or other map. The area, and map, may be either real or imaginary. Cross-sections, stratigraphic logs, structural information and sub-area maps may form additional material to aid in the interpretation. Rock samples, thin and polished sections, polished slabs and photographs may also provided to form the basis of sub-sections of the paper in which you are asked to give more specific and detailed answers (e.g. on, for example, sedimentary environments, geomorphological history). Note that (unless otherwise informed) you will be expected to have retained an elementary working knowledge of mineralogy and igneous and metamorphic geology and petrography to the level of a successful Geology 2 student, as the practical is intended to test your overall geological skills. A full 'dry run' Synoptic Practical exercise, based on an actual exam given in a previous year, is run after the Easter vacation, but before the exam.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Structural Geology (EASC09002) AND Geology and Landscapes (EASC10079)
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Spain Fieldcourse: Mountain Building and Destruction (EASC09042) OR Field Skills for Geology and Physical Geography (EASC09051)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Contribution to the fieldwork costs in 2014 was £270
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. An understanding of how numerous sub-disciplines within the geosciences such as igneous geology, sedimentology, structural geology and geomorphology integrate to determine the present form of a region.
  2. An understanding of the nature of geological debate in the interpretation of a region.
  3. A confidence in geological and geomorphological observation and interpretation of a region.
  4. An understanding of oceanic processes and their preservation during continental collision.
  5. An understanding of the sedimentary characteristics of terraces and their use in interpreting recent tectonic motions. Finally you will also gain an ability to appraise and integrate large and seemingly disparate datasets.
Reading List
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Structural Geology (EASC09002) AND Geology and Landscapes (EASC10079) AND Spain Fieldcourse: Mountain Building and Destruction (EASC09042)
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsCyprus_gpg
Contacts
Course organiserProf Alastair Robertson
Tel: (0131 6)50 8546
Email: Alastair.Robertson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Sarah Thomas
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: Sarah.Thomas@ed.ac.uk
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