Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
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 (takes place in the Easter break) which is preceded by wide-ranging practical classes and explanatory lectures.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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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;
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.
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Filed trip. Additional things to buy: water-proof boots, water-proof outer-layer clothes, 25-35L rucsac | 420.0000 |
| Field notebook | 12.0000 |
| A hard-hat and a high visibility (yellow) vest | 10.0000 |
| Hand lens (also called a field loupe), magnifying power x10 | 100.0000 |
| Geological compass-clinometer. Can be borrowed from school | 50.0000 |
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Written summative feedback will be provided on daily field-based exercises. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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