Module manager: David Hodgson
Email: d.hodgson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Replaces parts of: SOEE1620: The Rock Cycle SOEE1680: 3D Earth SOEE1640/1690: Earth Through Time/Shaping the Earth
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Sedimentary successions provide a crucial archive of environmental change at our planet’s surface, which is highly dynamic in time and space. This module will introduce how sediment is produced, transported, and deposited in a range of environments, and how the interplay of surface processes has sculpted Earth’s landscapes and seascapes through time. Topics covered include sediment production by weathering and biochemical or chemical precipitation; the role of icehouse and greenhouse periods on changing sea-level and coastlines; the origin of landforms and landscapes (geomorphology); and the transport and deposition processes of sediment in a wide range of Earth surface environments.
The disciplines of geomorphology and geology are intimately related. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the controls and links between sediment production and erosion in drainage basins and deposition in sedimentary basins. The students will learn the geomorphological, sedimentological, and stratigraphic principles and techniques that are used to assess changes in ancient environmental conditions. A focus on environmental change during the Quaternary will provide perspectives on the interrelationships of Earth surface processes, as well as an important context for modern day interactions between human societies and the Earth. Students will also experience collecting and presenting sedimentological data to assess changes in depositional environments during fieldwork.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Apply an understanding of the links between areas on the planet’s surface undergoing erosion and deposition, to a variety of environments and deposit types.
SSLO2: Describe and identify siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks in hand specimen.
SSLO3: Record, interpret, and present sedimentary and stratigraphic evidence about depositional environments.
SSLO4: Explain Quaternary successions considering the interplay of factors controlling Earth’s environmental change in the context of glacial-interglacial cycles.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills-based learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Learn through practice, learning proactively in the field and adopting effective learning strategies (active learning).
SKLO2: Demonstrate the use of digital technology to create and communicate research using accessible digital items when producing a scientific poster (digital creation, digital collaboration, presentation).
SKLO3: Develop skills in using recognition criteria of depositional environments to aid understanding, and inform interpretations (creativity, critical thinking).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Practical | 9 | 3 | 27 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The assessment for this module entails an exam with theory and practical components to assess knowledge of the key foundational ideas and concepts, integrated with skills in the identification of sedimentary rocks. Students will be given access to mock questions to provide examples of the scope and length of the exam questions. Opportunities for formative feedback on the practical aspects of the module will be available at the weekly practical session, during a mock practical assessment, and in a dedicated revision session held at the end of the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group work | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
The resit assignment will assess the same LOs and will be in the same format, but will not require field data to be collected, and will be scaled to be an appropriate amount for work for an individual.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Practical exam (Semester 1) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Practical Exam needs to be held in the EVL in SEE (departmental run exam)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team