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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: Advanced Volcanology (EASC10118)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course will cover current research topics in volcanology ranging from magmatic processes to the dynamics of physical volcanic processes.
Aims of the course will be to introduce an array of exciting topics at the forefront of volcanology research today. As such, the aim will be to gain real depth of knowledge on 10 topics , one covered each week of the course. Associated with these ten topics will be practical components of the course which will demonstrate the main methods and approaches that are used to understand the workings of volcanoes: field studies, analogue experiment approaches, petrological and geochemical analytical approaches, computational modelling, and volcano monitoring.
As a research-level course, the course will have strong focus on self-directed and peer learning and will include reading research papers and having group discussions on each topic, before hearing directly from the topic-expert.
Course description This is a volcanology research topics course- building on the generic knowledge and skills that are taught in the junior honours programme, in particular the volcanology taught as part of the new 3rd year Igneous Metamorphic and Ore Processes course.
The students will be introduced to a range of high profile research topics in volcanology, including the underpinning science and the methods by which research questions are investigated. The course will be taught by staff, both internal and external, that have strong research interests in these topics.
The course will open up opportunities for our graduates in the pursuit of volcanology research at Masters or PhD level and compliments other offerings from the school related to our strategic strength in Natural Hazards and Risk.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Earth Modelling and Prediction 2 (EASC08018) AND Geomaterials (EASC08021) AND Global Tectonics (EASC09027)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesStudents MUST have passed: Earth Modelling and Prediction 2 (EASC08018) AND Geomaterials (EASC08021) AND Global Tectonics (EASC09027)
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Read, analyse and critically evaluate published research literature on a wide spectrum of volcanology related topics
  2. Host, facilitate and participate in discussion sessions held amongst a peer group with an expert speaker on a volcanology research topic in order to share understanding of key elements of a given topic
  3. Employ each of five distinct research approaches to study volcanic processes
  4. Present a seminar on a review of a specific volcanology- related topic based on undertaking reading of research literature, analysis and critical thinking
  5. Undertake a research assignment involving the testing of a hypothesis, by collection of data, processing of results, and interpretation and analysis of the outcome
Reading List
Reading will include the following key texts:
Encyclopaedia of Volcanology
Global Volcanic Hazards and Risks
Modelling Volcanic Processes
Other learning Resources Include:
Vhub.org
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills 1. Thorough knowledge of some of the most important research topics in volcanology today, including their broader context within volcanic and magmatic systems as well as, where relevant, their societal impacts.
2. Awareness of a broad array of research in volcanology along with the methods and approaches commonly applied to advance volcanology research.
3. Experience in executing a short study, through a practical assignment on a specific problem using each of five research methods, and presenting the results in written form.
4. Skill and confidence in delivering an oral presentation of a critical review of a relevant volcanological problem to a broad audience.
Additional Class Delivery Information Lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, seminars, presentations, independent, peer and directed learning.
KeywordsVolcanology
Contacts
Course organiserDr Eliza Calder
Tel: (0131 6)50 4910
Email: Eliza.Calder@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Sarah Thomas
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: Sarah.Thomas@ed.ac.uk
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