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GL3030: VOLCANOLOGY (2019-2020)

Last modified: 18 Mar 2020 09:59


Course Overview

Volcanology is the study of the physical processes that drive volcanic eruptions, and the products of those eruptions, in relationship to both present-day eruptions and the signatures of those preserved in geological record.  Present-day volcanism is a major natural hazard that can cause catastrophic effects on the environment and humankind.  Understanding of the physical processes which lead to volcanic eruptions and the dispersion of the products of volcanism are the key to monitoring, mitigation and management of volcanic hazards globally. This course will build on basic geological and geographical principles and knowledge to provide a detailed insight into recent developments in our understanding of volcanism on Earth. Geophysical and other remote sensing methods of volcano monitoring will form an integral part of the course. The mitigation and management of volcanic hazards requires communication between scientists and the general public who are at risk, and consequently emphasis will be placed on providing technical and non-technical reports to guide the population at large.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Malcolm Hole

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

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will address:

  1. The distribution distribution, morphology and compositional range of currently active volcanoes from a global perspective
  2. The physical behaviour of lava flows and relationships with composition of lavas
  3. Explosive volcanic eruptions and their products, including mechanisms that cause explosivity
  4. Volcano-related hazards (local, global, environmental)
  5. Management, monitorting and mitigation of volcanic hazards

 


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

Design Project: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks 16,17 Feedback Weeks 17,18

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Feedback

Assessment will require students to produce presentations in groups. Presentation will be given to the rest of the class and peer-assesed as well as staff-assessed. 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Lab Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 12 Feedback Weeks 14

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Feedback

Assessment will require a report on volcano monitoriing. This will be uploaded to MyAberdeen and marked on-line.  Feedback via pdf editor in MyAberdeen. Group feedback to the entire class at a lecture following the individual feedback.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Lab Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 16,17 Feedback Weeks 19,20

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Assessment will require production of a factsheet on a volcanoo or volcnaoic phenomenom for distribution to the general public. 

This will be uploaded to MyAberdeen and marked on-line.  Feedback via pdf editor in MyAberdeen. Group feedback to the entire class at a lecture following the individual feedback.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 9 Feedback Weeks 11

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Assessment will require a report on volcano monitoriing. This will be uploaded to MyAberdeen and marked on-line.  Feedback via pdf editor in MyAberdeen. Group feedback to the entire class at a lecture following the individual feedback.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualCreateAn ability to produce a technical reports suitable for use by educated and enlighted non-specialists
FactualAnalyseUse of numerical data to produce models for lava behaviour and to produce graphical output for analysis.
FactualUnderstandInterpretation of data from remote sensing devices to monitor active volcanoes
ProceduralCreateAbility to present complex information to the general public.
ConceptualEvaluateBeing able and prepared to make critical comments on others work
FactualRememberUnderstanding the physical processes controlling volcanic eruptions and their products
FactualUnderstandAn understanding of modern geophysical methods used in remote sensing of volcanoes
ConceptualAnalyseThe ability to use numerical models to make predictions about severity of eruptions
ProceduralCreateStudents will be able to contribute to group activities including presentations
ReflectionApplyBe able to critically appraise the validity of numerical models in the solution of real-world problems

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