GEOLOGY AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

None

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.

Overview

Topical issues related to Geology and the Environment (e.g. earthquakes, climatic change, global warming, volcanic activity, evolution & mass extinctions, environmental pollution).

An introduction to the fundamental mechanisms which have controlled environmental change throughout Earth’s history.

The use of geological maps in interpreting the 3 dimensional structure of the Earth.

Interpretation of the fossil record with respect to environmental change. Fossil evidence for climatic change.
Environmental issues associated with decommissioning of hydrocarbon installations.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week; 1 day field work; 5 one-hour tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment: 1 two-hour examination (60%), 3 mini assessments (40%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course will be strongly recommended for students registered for GL 1004.

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.

Overview

An introduction to the three major rock groups; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.
An introduction to the mode of occurrence, and processes of formation, of the three major rock groups.

Identification of the common rock-forming minerals in hand-specimen.

An introduction to systematic crystallography and mineral properties.

The use of the petrological microscope in the identification of the common rock-forming minerals.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week; 5 one-hour tutorials, 1 day fieldwork.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment: Examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). One tutorial/field-based assessment (20%); 1 two-hour practical class assessment during timetabled practical session in week 44 (40%); 1 one-hour written examination (40%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Hole

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students of Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering.

Overview

An introduction to the three major rock groups; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.

An introduction to the mode of occurence, and processes of formation, of the three major rock groups.

Identification of the common rock-forming minerals in hand-specimen.

An introduction to systematic crystallography and mineral properties.

The use of the petrological microscope in the identification of the common rock-forming minerals.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week; 5 one-hour tutorials, 1 day fieldwork.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%), in course assessment (40%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor G M Walkden

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 2 or above.

Overview

This introductory course covers the recognition and interpretation of invertebrate fossils and fossil assemblages. It is suitable for all intending physical and biological scientists and provides a broad overview of palaeontology that would also interest non-scientists.

1. Principles: Preservation and taphonomy; recognising species; systematics
   and evolution; recording and handling data.


2. Systematic palaeontology: morphology, evolution and palaeoecology of brachiopods,
   bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, graptolites, corals, echinoderms and minor
   groups.


3. Interpreting fossil assemblages.

Structure

2 lab/lecture sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Assessment by practical course work (40%); 1 two-hour examinatio paper (50%) and oral presentation (10%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 1503. GL 1004 strongly recommended.

Notes

Required for students taking 45 or more credit points in Geology at level 2.

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.

Overview

Fundamentals of the interpretation of Geological maps and the common three-dimensional structures of the earth’s crust (building on GL 1004).
Fundamentals of optical microscopy in the identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks (building on GL 1503),
Interpretation of geological data collected in field conditions by individual observation.
Integration of the above three techniques.

Structure

2 three-hour laboratory sessions per week (lectures or practical classes as necessary; 1 eight day field course).

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour practical examination (55%); continual assessment of field course (35%) and laboratory assignments (10%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: failed elements by examination

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Parnell

Pre-requisites

GL 1503

Overview

The first part of the course covers the origins and characteristics of important sedimentary rock types such as sandstones, mudrocks, limestones and cherts. Lectures are supported by practical work on rock specimens and on thin sections using the petrological microscope. The second part of the course combines basic knowledge in the interpretation of ancient depositional environments such as deserts, alluvial fans, rivers, deltas, lakes, shorelines, reefs and deep sea fans.

Structure

2 lectures and 2 lab sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Assessment by course work (20%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (80%). Practical exam for borderline candidates only. Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%) - No resit for CA - resit following year.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 1503

Overview

The main objective of this practical course is to learn how to describe and identify the common rock forming minerals using the petrological microscope. The mineral groups will include olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, feldspars, quartz and carbonates together with other minerals of petrogenetic importance. The theoretical background will include a systematic study of the atomic structure, chemical composition and geological occurrence of the rock-forming minerals together with the fundamentals of crystallography, mineral optics and mineral chemistry.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week, 2 two-hour laboratory sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Course work (25%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (75%). Oral exam for borderline candidates only. Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2508, GL 2501

Overview

This course is divided into two complementary units:-

1. A 20 hour lecture unit in Geotectonics. This aims to provide a large scale
   overview of the Lithosphere and the geotectonic structures generated by interactions
   between moving Lithospheric Plates.



2. A 23 hour practical unit concerned with the common types of structure that
   are produced in rocks that undergo ductile deformation (eg during mountain
   building); a brief introduction to strain analysis utilising practical experiments
   with shear boxes is also included. The course aims to equip students with
   the skills and basic knowledge necessary for the observation, recording, analysis,
   interpretation and presentation of structural data.

Assessment

Assessment: 3 practical course work exercises (20%) and one ninety minute examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2508, GL 2501

Notes

The assessments from all three course components (1-3 below) are combined to give a single overall course assessment. See also GL 3010 for Joint Honours Course.

Overview

This course shows how Earth History integrates other areas of geological science. Parallel and complementary components comprise 20 hours of lectures and 30 hours of practical.

1) Earth History: The analysis and interpretation of the geological record. Lectures (20 hours) cover the factors controlling the development of sedimentary sequences, the methodology used in analysing these, and then focus on a variety of case studies. Independent work to be completed by students includes one written report and a short verbal presentation at a seminar.
Assessment: Coursework (10%) and a one-hour examination (35%).

2)Map Interpretation: Practicals (24 hours) use published geological maps and involve specific tasks and problems to be worked on independently or in groups. This work develops the ability to synthesise the large amounts of geological data on maps into plausible petrological, tectonic and palaeogeographical interpretations. Tutorials review the outcomes.

Assessment: Coursework (10%) and a two-hour examination (35%).

3) Isotope Geology: Two 3 hour workshops on the stratigraphic application of radiogenic isotope geochemistry.
Assessment: Coursework exercises (10%).

Assessment

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A J Hartley

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2508, GL 2501

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.

Overview

This field course is based in Helmsdale during September/October. The course provides training in field techniques, data recording and interpretation. Experience is gained in mapping and logging sedimentary sequences. Field recording and interpretation includes structural data, current directions, construction of cross sections, reconstruction of palaeoenvironments, and field palaeontology.

NB: This course is mandatory for joint honours students with Geography and Physics.

Structure

9 day field course.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework: Field assignments and data manipulation (100%).

Resit: Whole course

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J E Neilson

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2501, GL 2508

Overview

This course introduces students to the geological processes which result in the accumulation of oil and natural gas in rock reservoirs. Ideas about the origin of petroleum are discussed as are the fundamental processes of organic deposition, thermal maturation, migration of fluids and the formation of traps for reservoired petroleum. Exploration strategies and the role of the geologist are discussed. Comprehensive practical introductions are given to techniques for remotely determining rock properties including wireline logging and geophysical (seismic, gravity and aeromagnetic) surveys. Most topics form the background for 4th year advanced courses.

Structure

10 three-hour sessions of lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: 1 ninety minute written examination paper (75%); in-course assessment (25%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor A J Hartley

Pre-requisites

Admission to the Honours Programme in Geology-Petroleum Geology.

Notes

Cannot be taken with GL 3018.

Overview

Dissertation not exceeding 5000 words based upon an original investigation into petroleum producing basin.

Structure

5 one-hour tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 2012

Notes

Only available to students at Level 3 of a Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

This course builds on GL 1503 and GL 2012 and aims to introduce the students to integration of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology with the other branches of Geology/Geoscience. It covers:

1. The relationship between magmatism and plate tectonics


2. The fundamentals of melt production from the asthenosphere and lithosphere


3. The phase equilibria of, and processes governing, fractional crystallisation


4. The relationship between magmatism and sedimentary basin formation


5. Aspects of regional and thermal metamorphism and the control of "basement" geology on magmatism.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 three-house practical/self directed learning session per week and 2 two-hour computing sessions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (60%); in-course assessment carried forward.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2501, GL 2508

Co-requisites

GL 3017

Notes

Only available to students in Programme Year 3 in the School of Geoscience.

Overview

a) Geotectonics: The Lithosphere and Lithospheric Plate motions. Extensional regimes and Extension Models; Compressive, Strike Slip and Oblique Slip regimes.

b) Ductile structures: Folds; linear and planar structures associated with folds; polyphase deformation. Elementary strain analysis.

c) Tectonic, sedimentary and eustatic controls on sequence development, classification of basin types, techniques of stratigraphic analysis of selected examples of basin succession from the global stratigraphic record.

d) Classwork is based upon published 1:50,000 scale British geological maps. Students are given specific map based tasks and problems to solve, either individually or in small groups.

e) Workshops on absolute dating of rocks, including computing and algebraic analysis.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week and 2 three-hour practical/self-directed learning sessions per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (80%); in-course assessment (20%).

Resit: Examination (80%); in-course assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

To be advised

Pre-requisites

Entrance to the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Notes

This course is only available to students in programme year 3 of the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

The course will include:

North Sea petroleum geology - field trip

Overview and structure of the oil & gas industry

North Sea technology overview

Business skills needed to succeed in the oil & gas industry

Presentation skills

Introduction to new technologies

Structure

1 three-day field trip with field-based lectures (21 hours); 5 laboratory-based days with keynote lectures (15 hours); practical assignments or guided study (12 hours); 1-2 individual tutorials (2 hours).

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination with CA mark carried forward.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL 2501

Notes

The course is intended to develop compilation and investigative skills for Designated degree students in their final year.

Overview

Assessment: A dissertation not exceeding 5,000 words based upon an original geological investigation or a literature review.

Assessment

Resit: Whole course.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

GL 3022 Earth's Dynamic Systems and GL 3017 Field Techniques 1 (Helmsdale)

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.

Overview

The course comprises 10 days of field work undertaken during the Easter vacation. It consists of 6 days of advanced field observation, mapping, data recording and analysis and 4 days analysis of the structural and petrological characteristics of Caledonian granitoids and their country rock hosts. Maps, records of field observations, field syntheses and interpretations are produced and developed during the course.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (80%) and one 2000 word pre-field course essay assignment (20%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Whole course

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C P North

Pre-requisites

GL 2501, GL 3018

Notes

Only available to students at Level 3 of a Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

Sediments cover nearly the entire surface of the Earth today. Rocks formed from these sediments form a crucial carapace to the planet that, even though just a few kilometres thick, hosts mineral and water resources that are vital to humanity. The sedimentary record also contains valuable information on the history of life and past climates.

This course will examine the present day depositional processes and environments as a means for interpreting the sedimentary rock record. Through a set of detailed case studies, the course concurrently will demonstrate the relevance of sedimentology to understanding water aquifer and petroleum systems from both exploration and production viewpoints.

Through analysis and description of the processes and deposits of the major present-day environments, the course will develop key criteria for the recognition of these environments in the rock record. At the end of the course students should be able to describe, identify and interpret sedimentary rocks with reference to modern day environments using a generic, process-based approach. They should also be able to assess a sedimentary success for its potential to host or generate hydrocarbons, and demonstrate how sedimentologic techniques can maximise discovery and recovery of these resources.

Structure

1 three-hour combined lecture-tutorial session and 1 three-hour practical or self-directed learning session each week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Written examination (60%) plus in-course assessment carried forward from first attempt (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor D I M Macdonald

Pre-requisites

GL 2501

Notes

Only available to students in Programme Year 3 or above of a Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

The course reviews both bulk resources and groundwater as essential requirements of an industrialised society and examines the problems of locating, evaluating, exploiting, conserving and environmentally managing these resources.

Groundwater in the hydrological cycle; definition of aquifer systems; principles of groundwater flow; exploration and development; chemistry and contaminant transport; drilling; monitoring and sampling; vulnerability and protection; artificial influences on groundwater, groundwater resources and hydro-stratigraphy.

Structure

1 four-hour teaching period comprising a mixture of lectures, practical and self-directed learning per week. Additional tutorials as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor P D Clift

Pre-requisites

GL 3022; GL 3017

Notes

Only available to students in Programme Year 3 or above of Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

Attendance at departmental research seminars and workshops. Additional course-specific lecture/workshops developing ideas and concepts from seminar series. Final assessment will require the submission of a public friendly scientific narrative on an approved topic, and presentation to peer-group on that topic.

Structure

8 one-hour departmental research seminars. 5 two-hour lectures/workshops on key topical issues in geoscience from departmental and outside speakers.

Assessment

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

Resit: Resubmission of report.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Parnell

Pre-requisites

GL 3018

Notes

Only available to Honours Geology Petroluem Geology, Geoscience, Geology-Physics & Geography-Geoscience with satisfactory prerequisites.

Overview

Techniques particularly used for understanding thermal and fluid histories in sedimentary basins. Applications of mineralogy and heavy mineral geochemistry in the correlation of clastic strata.

Structure

2 three-hour sessions per week. Mixture of lectures, practical work and problem solving.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor David Macdonald

Pre-requisites

Offer of continuation to level 4 Honours programme in Geology-Petroleum Geology, Geosciences and Geography-Geosciences students.

Notes

Only available for level 4 Honours Geology-Petroleum Geology, Geoscience and Geography-Geosciences students.

Overview

One-day field trips in the Aberdeen area. These include;

1. Aeolian depositional systems, Ythan Estuary


2. Sediment-volcanic interactions, St Cyrus


3. Ore deposits at Souter Head


4. Structural geology of the Braemar area.

One general examination paper in two parts will cover aspects of geological mapping problems and specimen identification in an integrative way.

Structure

4 one-day trips.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (two general papers) (40%) and in-course assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 2508

Notes

Only available to students in Programme Year 3 or above of a Geoscience School Programmes.

Overview

Physical properties of ore minerals. Optical properties of ore minerals including reflectance, colour, hardness, and observations under crossed polars. Ore textures. Use of electron microbeam analysis (scanning electron microscope and Edax, electron microprobe), cathodoluminescence and x-ray diffraction to identify minerals.

Reviews of the sedimentary, hydrothermal and magmatic ores of gold, silver, platinum, copper, molybdenum, tin, lead, zinc, nickel, chromium and uranium. For each ore type the sources of the ore fluid and metals and transport and deposition mechanisms are explored using isotopic, fluid inclusion and other relevant data. Key factors leading to ore grade and tonnages are highlighted. In addition the global dimension is addressed through considerations of metallogenic epochs and provinces and regional tectonic setting.

Structure

50 hours of mixed lectures, practical classes and 1 field visit (one day).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (written and practical) (80%); in-course assessment (20%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

Only available to level 4 Honours Geology-Petroleum Geology and Geoscience students.

Overview

This is an independent project and has no specific lecture or practical syllabus. The course aims to make students integrate all their geological knowledge and skills gained on previous courses and challenges them to be more aware of their own academic and self management skills. The course is designed to encourage students to plan and execute a small research project and, whilst the initial choice of project is subject to staff scrutiny (for reasons of safety and geological suitability), the subsequent input and guidance from staff advisers is controlled by student request.

Structure

3 one-day field courses in the Aberdeen area after the May examination diet. 28 days of individual fieldwork in an area approved by supervisor.

Assessment

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

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor John Parnell

Pre-requisites

Only available to level 4 Honours Geology-Petroleum Geology and Geoscience students.

Overview

There is a choice between courses in the N.W. Highlands and in N.E. England. The former studies regional crustal evolution from the Archaean to the Phanerozoic whereas the latter focuses on Mesozoic rock with emphasis on Petroleum Geology. Both of these adopt a holistic approach and encourage the synthesis of a range of different types of information and data. Resource geology is a component of both courses.

Structure

8 day field course in N.W. Scotland or N.E. England.

Assessment

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

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Jolley

Pre-requisites

GL 30MO

Notes

Only available to students in programme year 4 of the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

The course will include:

Geophysics in exploration and production

Geology in exploration and production

Prospect evaluation.

Structure

15 two-hour lectures in the morning. 12 two to three-hour projects, tutorials or assessments in the afternoon.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%). This exam will be set specifically for the UG cohort. The weighting between exam and continuous assessment is different from the PG course. The continuous assessment exercise will be set differently for the UG cohort and will be marked with a lower expectation level of critical evaluation and comprehensive knowledge.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Jolley

Pre-requisites

GL 30MO

Notes

This course is only available to students registered for the BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

This course will include:

Reservoir Engineering

Well Engineering

Structure

15 two-hour lectures in the morning; 14 practicals, tutorials or guided assessments in the afternoon.

Assessment

1 three-hour examination (70%);continuous assessment (30%). This exam will be set specifically for the UG cohort. The weighting between exam and continuous assessment is different from the PG course. The continuous assessment exercise will be set differently for the UG cohort and will be marked with a lower expectation level of critical evaluations and comprehensive knowledge.

Credit Points

12.5

Course Coordinator

Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 3017 Field Techniques 1.

Notes

This course is only for students taking a joint degree.
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.

Overview

This field based course covers synthesis and geological modelling and comprises (1) an 8 day field course in North West Scotland or Northern England and (2) a short report and oral presentation on an assigned regional study.

Structure

Field courses.

Assessment

Assessment: Based on field work reports (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor D I M Macdonald

Pre-requisites

GL 2501

Notes

Only available to students in Programme Year 3 or above of a Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

The course reviews both bulk resources and groundwater as essential requirements of an industrialised society and examines the problems of locating, evaluating, exploiting, conserving and environmentally managing these resources.

Groundwater in the hydrological cycle; definition of aquifer systems; principles of groundwater flow; exploration and development; chemistry and contaminant transport; drilling; monitoring and sampling; vulnerability and protection; artificial influences on groundwater, groundwater resources and hydro-stratigraphy.

Structure

1 four-hour teaching period comprising a mixture of lectures, practical and self-directed learning per week. Additional tutorials as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor G M Walkden

Pre-requisites

GL 2010

Notes

Only available to level 4 Honours Geology-Petroleum Geology, Geoscience, Geology-Physics & Geography-Geoscience students, or other BSc students within the Geoscience School with satisfactory prerequisites.

Overview

This course is divided into two parts: one based upon independent reading and essays; one based upon seminars and discussions. There is no formal lecture content.

• Part one covers the origin of life and extinction with emphasis on geological evidence and the interplay between organisms and the planetary environment, comprising crust, hydrosphere and atmosphere.


• Part two covers milestones and invertebrate and vertebrate evolution including the causes of macro-evolutionary and micro-evolutionary change, the origin of vertebrates, the transition to land, functional morphology in vertebrate evolution and the evolution of psychozoa.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture/tutorial session per week or by arrangement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor A Hartley

Pre-requisites

Only available to level 4 Honours Geology-Petroleum Geology and Geoscience students.

Overview

This course is an independent laboratory based investigation with no specific syllabus of lecture or practical classes. The course requires students to integrate previous knowledge and skills gained during geological course-work in to a coherent self-learning package chosen to satisfy the interests of individual students. In essence, it is the culmination of the degree course allowing the student to carry out self-directed research.

Structure

Attendance at laboratory session as required by supervisor.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (90%) and research seminar (10%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

GL 3022

Notes

Only available to level 4 Honours Geology Petroleum Geology, Geoscience, Geology-Physics & Geography-Geoscience with satisfactory prerequisites.

Overview

Basins in their plate-tectonic setting. Lithosphere behaviour and the mechanisms basin formation. Key features of extensional, compressional and strike-slip basins. Testing tectonic models by stratigraphic analysis. Facies architecture of basins including: (i) tectonics and sedimentation (ii) sequence stratigraphy. The interaction between sea-level change, tectonics, climate and sediment supply in the final development of a basin-fill Basin analysis: (i) thermal history, fluid generation and migration (ii) compaction history (iii) backstripping and forward and inverse modelling. Case studies are used throughout.

Basics of reflection seismology. Signal theory and propagation of waves. Reflection seismic acquisition. Seismic processing funamentals and digital filtering. Seismic interpretation for structures. Reservoir aspects of seismic interpretation. Seismic stratigraphy. Fundamentals of gravity and magnetic surveys.

Structure

1 two-hour and 1 three-hour sessions per week. Mixed lectures, practical work, computer modelling and problem solving.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 3022

Notes

Only available to students at levels 3 or 4 of a Geoscience School Programme.

Overview

1) Geophysical methodology applied to continental reconstructions
2) the birth of continents
3) intra-continental evolution
4) basins and basin formation
5) continental margin evolution
6) magmatism and the causes continental break-up
7) ore belts of supercontinents

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week. Practical-tutorial groups 1 three-hour practical/self-directed learning session per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (50%); examination (50%).

Resit: Examination (100%). Exemptions from part of the examination can be awarded with the discretion of the course coordinator/course team.