Level 1
- GL 1004 - THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH GEOLOGICAL TIME
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- 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%).
- GL 1503 - THE MATERIALS FORMING OUR DYNAMIC EARTH
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- 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%).
- GL 1504 - MATERIALS FORMING OUR DYNAMIC EARTH: INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY FOR PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
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- 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%).
Level 2
- GL 2010 - PALAEONTOLOGY
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- 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.
- Principles: Preservation and taphonomy; recognising species; systematics
and evolution; recording and handling data. - Systematic palaeontology: morphology, evolution and palaeoecology of brachiopods,
bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, graptolites, corals, echinoderms and minor
groups. - 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%).
- GL 2013 - CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr S Bowden
Pre-requisites
Notes
GL 1004 recommended.
Overview
Chemical composition of earth as a planetary body; introduction to geochronology; introduction to phase equilibria; melting processes and magma production; crystallization and consolidation of magma; solid-state reactions in rock materials; metamorphic reactions; diagenesis; composition of minerals and mineral structure; processes and environments of chemical/biological sediment formation.
Structure
2 x one-hour lectures per week, 8 x three-hour practical classes/workshops during half session.
Assessment
1st attempt: examination (60%), in-course assessment (40%).
Resit: examination (60%) plus original in-course assessment (40%). - GL 2510 - AN INTRODUCTION TO FIELD GEOLOGY
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor D I M Macdonald
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
GL 2511
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, inlcuding 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
Six days of fieldwork (planned for NE Spain in session 2009-2010) in an area with a significant diversity of geological features; construction of a geological map; collecting accurate and precise structural data; logging of a sedimentary sequence and analysis of the palaeoenvironment. Instructed practical classes prior to the field course will include the background to sedimentology and the construction of sedimentary logs.
Structure
Residential field course of six days' duration. Introductory instructed practical classes approximately 4 x 3 hours each.
Assessment
1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).
Resit: Apply to course co-ordinator. - GL 2511 - GEOPHYSICS
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr R Stephenson
Pre-requisites
Notes
GL 1004 recommended
Overview
Gravity and isostasy, satellites and geodesy, geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism, geoelectrics, heat flow; techniques of seismology, origin and form of waves, locating earthquakes and deducing their focal mechanisms; using active and passive seismic methods to deduce earth structure, principles for interpreting seismic reflection data; introduction to earth forces, stress and deformation of the solid earth; fluid dynamics, fluid flow, physical sedimentary and volcanic processes. Origin of sedimentary structures.
Structure
3 x 1 hour lecture each week, laboratory visits (on campus) surgery classes.
Assessment
1st Attempt: In-course assessment (20%); examination - 2 hours (80%).
Resit: 2-hour examination.
Level 3
- GL 3017 - FIELD TECHNIQUES 1 (HELMSDALE)
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor A J Hartley
Pre-requisites
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
- GL 3018 - PRINCIPLES OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr J E Neilson
Pre-requisites
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.
- GL 3020 - PETROLEUM GEOLOGY DISSERTATION
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- 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%).
- GL 3023 - EARTH HISTORY
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor A Hartley
Pre-requisites
Overview
Planetary geology, accretion, impact geology, evolution of life on Earth. Stratigraphic principles, developing relative and absolute chronologies, characterising depositional histories and sequence stratigraphy. The main sedimentary basin types, their tectonic setting and characteristics of their basin fill.
Structure
1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 three-hour practical or tutorial per week.
Assessment
1st attempt: in course assessment (40%) and 2-hour examination (60%).
Resit: two-hour examination. - GL 3024 - 3D GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr I G Alsop
Pre-requisites
Overview
Interpretation of the surface geology of regions using geological maps and landforms using satellite and other remote sensing data. Cross-section construction. Introduction to the structural interpretation of seismic data. The main styles of deformation structures, faults, folds and distributed distortional strain and their analysis. 3D structural analysis using stereographic projections. Simple kinematic approaches, relationships and deformation structures to tectonics and their importance for the structure of the crust and its sedimentary basins.
Structure
20 x 3-hour lecture/practical sessions.
Assessment
1st Attempt: in course assessment (30%); 2-hour examination (70%).
Resit: 2-hour examination. - GL 3508 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr M J Hole
Pre-requisites
GL 3023 or GL 3024 and GL 3018 or GL 3514
Notes
The course is intended to develop compilation and investigative skills for Designated degree students in their final year. It is normally only available to students registered for a Designated Degree in Geoscience, Geology-Petroleum Geology or Joint Geography-Geoscience.
Overview
Assessment: A dissertation not exceeding 5,000 words based upon an original geological investigation or a literature review.
Assessment
Resit: Resubmit dissertation
- GL 3512 - FIELD TECHNIQUES 2
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Prof R Butler
Pre-requisites
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 second half-session. 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
- GL 3513 - APPLIED SEDIMENTOLOGY
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr C P North
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 3514 - PETROLOGY & TECTONICS
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr M J Hole
Pre-requisites
GL 2013, Gl 3023, GL 3024 (or with permission of course co-ordinator / Head of School).
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:
- The relationship between magmatism and plate tectonics
- The fundamentals of melt production from the asthenosphere and lithosphere
- The phase equilibria of, and processes governing, fractional crystallisation
- The relationship between magmatism and sedimentary basin formation
- 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.
- GL 3518 - RESOURCES
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor D I M Macdonald
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 3519 - CURRENT ISSUES IN GEOSCIENCE
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor P D Clift
Pre-requisites
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.
Level 4
- GL 4017 - TECHNIQUES IN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor J Parnell
Pre-requisites
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.
- Characteristics of petroleum systems and the plays defined to explore for them. Source, migration, reservoir, seal and timing are defined, described and used to evaluate the probability of discovering hydrocarbons. Theoretical considerations supported by case studies. Origin of petroleum identification of hydrocarbons including GC-MS technique. Oil composition related to source type. In situ alteration of oils and geological controls. Maturity modelling: techniques with examples of practical application. Integrated evaluation. Application of risk analysis to exploration with practical examples.
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%).
- GL 4018 - GEOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS
-
- 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;
- Aeolian depositional systems, Ythan Estuary
- Sediment-volcanic interactions, St Cyrus
- Ore deposits at Souter Head
- Structural geology of the Braemar area.
Each day-trip requires a report to be submitted based on the students own observations.
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%).
- GL 4019 - ORE PETROGENESIS: TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr C M Rice
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 4020 - GEOLOGICAL MAPPING PROJECT
-
- Credit Points
- 30
- Course Coordinator
- Prof R Butler
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%).
- GL 4021 - FIELD SYNTHESIS
-
- 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%).
- GL 4022 - LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND HYDROCARBONS
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor J Parnell
Pre-requisites
Only for Hon students in Geology & Petroleum Geology
Overview
- Reading and critiquing Thomas Gold's 2001 book "The Deep Hot Biosphere: The Myth of Fossil Fuels".
- Investigation of one aspect that student believes Gold has misunderstood OR that oil/gas industry has overlooked.
- Supported by seminar-format explanation of some of the issues involved, particularly those pertinent to hydrocarbon formation/distribution (including deep permeability, biomarkers, role of microbes).
- Practical study of non-conventional occurrences of hydrocarbons.
- Survey of class beliefs before/after reading the book.
Structure
6 one-hour tutorials (to be arranged)
2 three-hour practicalsAssessment
1st Attempt: Continous assessment (100%).
- GL 4516 - FIELD INTERPRETATION
-
- 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%).
- GL 4518 - RESOURCES
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor D I M Macdonald
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 4519 - EVOLUTION
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Professor G M Walkden
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 4520 - GEOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECT
-
- Credit Points
- 30
- Course Coordinator
- Dr S A Bowden
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: Preliminary Report (30%) and Laboratory Project Report (70%). Students must also submit research proposals and laboratory books. These are not formally graded but non-submission could result in a penalty.
- GL 4521 - BASIN ANALYSIS & GEOPHYSICS
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Prof P Clift
Pre-requisites
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%).
- GL 4522 - THE BIRTH, GROWTH & DEATH OF SUPERCONTINENTS
-
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr M J Hole
Pre-requisites
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 supercontinentsStructure
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 Co-ordinator/Course team.