GV2GRE-Geological Resources

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
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:

This module explores key types of geological resources including metals and non-metals, , oil, gas and building materials.. The geological and geographical origin of these resources will be considered. In addition their economic and strategic importance will be considered. 

Aims:

This module aims to:

1. Describe the geological origins of a select range of resources of geological origin. These include key resources derived from sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks as well as hydrothermal settings.


2. Provide students with practical skills to identify and distinguish between key mineral and rock specimens and the Earth processes that formed them.


3. Consider the wider economic and strategic importance of some geological resources.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the geological origins of a variety of key mineral and rock resources


2. Identify key mineral and rock specimens in hand specimen


3. Evaluate the economic and strategic importance of some key resources of geological origin.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have opportunities to work in small groups and gain practical experience in the laboratory.

Outline content:

Content includes

The geological context and origins of

1. Selected non-metal resources, for example, sands and gravels, block stone and clays.


2. Evaporite minerals – salts and carbonates


3. Metal resources including iron, copper, zinc and selected critical metals


4. Fossil fuels including oil, gas and coal

Practical identification skills of key specimens, and the measurement of key properties of other resources such as porosity of sandstone aquifers.

Evaluation of the economic and strategic importance of select key resources. 

Global context:
The nature of resources of geological origin means that examples will be drawn from around the globe.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will include one or two short screencasts each week which include the key data on each topic. Weekly seminars allow topics to be explored in more detail and the strategic importance and environmental impacts of the extraction of geological resources to be discussed. here is also a two hour practical each week. 

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	70
Practical skills assessment	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A practical laboratory test will form 30% of the module marks.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback on laboratory and specimen identification skills will be provided through the term - both orally and in the form of short formative exercises.

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% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework as well as a practical test and theory examination.

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