GV1DE-Our Dynamic Earth

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Hazel McGoff
Email: h.j.mcgoff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Earth is a dynamic and evolving planet with a record of plate tectonic and environmental change over its 4.6 billion year history. This module explores the geological structure and the processes that shape our planet. A series of practicals are designed to explore the science behind these key processes.

Aims:

The key phenomena that occur in the Earth System will be explored with the emphasis on understanding their characteristics, how they impact human societies and their geological significance.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to understand the key processes occurring within major geological and Earth Science Systems. They should be able to explain the mechanisms by which volcanoes and earthquakes develop and their prediction, as well as the deep structure of the Earth. The practical sessions will give those taking this course a ‘hands on’ approach to geological phenomena via simulation exercises.

Additional outcomes:

Students' observational and recording skills will be enhanced through practical laboratory sessions. Their key skills of problem solving and critical appraisal of scientific information will also be developed. 

Outline content:

Lecture and practical content includes: - the deep structure and zoned nature of the Earth - heat transport within the Earth System - the structure of the mantle and its role in the Earth system - the evidence for plate tectonics – the ocean crust – the continental crust - the origin of earthquakes and their hazards - volcanic systems and their hazards - the nature of the magnetic field on the Earth.

Global context:
The very nature of the course covers evidence from the entire globe. All the continents are covered and include evidence from numerous international locations each week. The students are encouraged to monitor volcanic and earthquake observatory data from around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One or two short screencast each week which include the key information for each topic. There is also a weekly interactive seminar which allows each topic to be explored in greater depth, as well as 7 practical sessions through the term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		10	2
Practicals classes and workshops		20
Guided independent study:		68
Total hours by term	0	98	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Set exercise	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One and a half hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Completion of on-line tests which include questions about the results and wider implications of the practical sessions (40% of the module marks).

Formative assessment methods:
Discussions in class, on-line quizzes.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022