Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Laura Grange

The Essential Geoscience module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills in geological, geographical and environmental that are required for a successful progression to degree-level study. The module will focus on providing foundation knowledge of earth processes and systems and will place a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to a range of subject areas.

The module will cover the following topic areas: Earth systems: lithosphere (including plate tectonics, volcanoes), atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere (including soils).

Global geophysical and biogeochemical cycles: the cycling of energy, water, carbon and nitrogen

Evolution of life and its impact on the environment: early atmosphere, development of single-and multicellular organisms, diversification of fauna and flora in the Palaeozoic; dinosaurs, evolution of angiosperms and mammals. Mass extinction events, ice-age to greenhouse transitions.

Earth systems concepts: homeostasis, positive and negative feedback, Gaia hypothesis.

Anthropogenic impacts upon the Earth: exploitation of natural resources (water, forests, minerals and fossil fuels).

Introducing the global climate emergency: causes, future impacts, carbon neutrality/COP, mitigation/adaptation.

threshold

Grade D- to D+ Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject but some errors present. Some inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Limited ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios. The clarity of information presentation is weak and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is limited.

excellent

Grade A- and above An excellent understanding of the subject matter with virtually no inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates a very good ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with very few errors. The clarity of information presentation is excellent and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is very well developed. Some evidence of reflectivity in the work produced

good

Grade B- to B+ A good understanding of the subject matter. Very few inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with few errors. The clarity of information presentation is good and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is well-developed. There is evidence of engagement with published information sources.

C- to C+

Grade C- to C+ A clearer understanding of the subject matter. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, but with some errors. The clarity of information presentation is acceptable and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is developing. There is evidence of some limited engagement with published information sources.

1. Demonstrate an accurate understanding of geo-environmental principles and concepts.

2. Demonstrate a correct understanding of appropriate methods in geoscience.

3. Apply concepts and principles to different scenarios.

4. Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
CLASS TEST	Test 1	Multiple choice questions	20
CLASS TEST	Test 3	Multiple choice questions	20
CLASS TEST	Test 2	Multiple choice questions	20
LOGBOOK OR PORTFOLIO	Practical Portfolio	Submission of a portfolio of write-ups from practical classes	40

		Hours
Lecture	24*2 hour sessions to also include class-based practical sessions	48
Tutorial	12*1 hour tutorials	12
Private study	Time spent working on guided and independent study and on the preparation of assignments.	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to access online resources. Use of personal computers or University facilities will enable this.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/osf-0103.html

Compulsory in courses:

• F62F: BSc Geological Oceanography year 0 (BSC/GEOF)