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GL2510: INTRODUCTION TO FIELD GEOLOGY (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

Field-based observation is an essential skill for understanding the origin of rocks, and is a vital reality-check for understanding how Geological Science is practised and developed. This course gives students experience with techniques for investigating rocks in their natural habitat, studying the crucial relationships between different units, and developing good habits for observing and recording data in the field. Students learn how to perceive geology in 3D, and to develop working hypotheses from incomplete evidence. This is achieved through a five-day residential field trip which is preceded by wide-ranging practical classes and explanatory lectures.  

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Colin North

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

As well as demonstrating generally why fieldwork is important, and showing what can be learnt in the field that cannot be determined in the laboratory, the course will put special emphasis on these skills:

  • Keeping an accurate and scientifically useful field notebook;

  • Recording sedimentary successions (“logging”);

  • Recording structural and spatial data;

  • Presenting geological data on maps;

  • Recognise the character of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks at scales larger than hand specimen;

  • Conducting fieldwork safely, effectively, and responsibly.

These skills will initially be explained and demonstrated before the field trip through lectures and practical classes, including giving you familiarity with sedimentary structures, trace fossils, and rock description. The five-day residential field trip to a geologically diverse area completes the training by providing the chance to put these skills to use in the real world. The preparatory classes are assessed along with the notebook completed in the field and the evening assignments carried out during the trip.

Further Information & Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Resit: Apply to course coordinator.

Formative Assessment

The majority of teaching is a small groups at outcrop. Feedback is therefore continuous and on-going throughout the course.

A series of problem-based exercises will be set over the field course and these are marked and returned to students generally within 48 hours.

Feedback

Written summative feedback will be provided on daily field-based exercises.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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