Module OSF-0103:
Essential Geoscience
Module Facts
Run by School of Ocean Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr Martyn Kurr
Overall aims and purpose
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.
Course content
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.
Assessment Criteria
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.
Learning outcomes
-
Demonstrate an accurate understanding of geo-environmental principles and concepts.
-
Demonstrate a correct understanding of appropriate methods in geoscience.
-
Apply concepts and principles to different scenarios.
-
Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
CLASS TEST | Test 1 | Multiple choice questions |
30.00 |
CLASS TEST | Test 3 | Multiple choice questions |
40.00 |
CLASS TEST | Test 2 | Multiple choice questions |
30.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
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 |
Transferable skills
- 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.
Resources
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.htmlCourses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- F62F: BSc Geological Oceanography year 0 (BSC/GEOF)