Geoscience

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Bowden

Pre-requisites

GL 1503 plus one other Level 1 Science (ie Group A) course, or by permission of the Course Coordinator.

Overview

The Geochemistry and Geophysics or rocky and icy planetary bodies. 4 lectures with tutorials and self-directed learning.

Hypervelocity impacts, Meteorite impacts, Geology of Impact Craters. 4 lectures with practicals.

Evidence of life through deep geological time, Evolution of the Biosphere, Astrobiology. 4 lectures, practicals and self-directed learning.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 three-hour practical or tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: 1 two-hour written examination with 1 data response and 1 essay question (40%); three pieces of continuous assessment (60%).

Reist: 1 three-hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Molyneux

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

A Disclosure (Scotland) check for all students will be required for participation in outreach activities.

Overview

Science communication is a two way process. This course will examine the intricate relationship between scientists and the public, both past and present.

• The birth and evolution of science communication - Why bother?


• Public perception of science / scientists


• The role of the media in promoting science (and condemning it)


• Science's moral and financial obligation to the public


• Examination of the skills required to deliver good science communication


• Introduction to different types of communication media, how they work and their advantages and disadvantages.


• How to plan, coordinate and carry out a science communication piece/event in its entirety


• Who is your audience? - Identifying and tailoring communcation pieces to the audiences knowledge and age level


• The benefits of science communication to students Personal Development Programmes

Structure

1 two-hour workshop a week plus 12 lectures spread out evenly over the term.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one-hour written examination (25%), continuous assessment (75%) (Format of a newspaper article, a museum critique, a poster presentation, a science presentation and participation in at least 1 National Science and Engineering Week / Setpoint activity over the duration of the course).

Resit: 1 one-hour written examination (25%), continuous assessment (75%) (Format of a newspaper article, a museum critique, a poster presentation, a science presentation and participation in at least 1 National Science and Engineering Week / Setpoint activity over the duration of the course).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms S Heard

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above of one of the School of Geosciences' degree programmes.

Notes

This course will run in 2009/10 and in alternate years thereafter. This course may not be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with GS 4501.

Overview

A series of case studies will examine the history of resource use, working from a range of academic perspectives. For example: early civilizations and their use and exploitation of resources; stone monuments and landscapes; changes in the need for, attitude to, and utilization of resources during the industrial revolution; geology, architecture and the built environment; geology, resources, and global conflicts, the technological revolution in the use of rocks and minerals.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures/projects per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: in-course assessment (67%) : (of which 33% comprises museum project design exercise and 33% academic commentary); 33% written examination (one question in one hour).

Resit: Original in-course assessment carried forward (67%) plus examination (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms S Heard

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above of one of the School of Geosciences' degree programmes.

Notes

This course will rund in 2009/10 and in alternate years thereafter. This course may not be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with GS 3501.

Overview

A series of case studies will examine the history of resource use, working from a range of academic perspectives. For example: early civilizations and their use and exploitation of resources; stone monuments and landscapes; changes in the need for, attitude to, and utilization of resources during the industrial revolution; geology, architecture and the built environment; geology, resources, and global conflicts, the technological revolution in the use of rocks and minerals.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures/projects per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: in-course assessment (67%) : (of which 33% comprises museum project design exercise and 33% academic commentary); 33% written examination (one question in one hour).

Resit: Original in-course assessment carried forward (67%) plus examination (33%).