Module manager: Vern Manville
Email: V.R.Manville@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
SOEE1560 Introductory Earth Sciences
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The Earth module introduces natural and environmental scientists without a geology background to the solid Earth component of the Earth system. In this module we will cover minerals and rocks, the dynamic Earth, environmental geology and the evolutionary history recorded in the fossil record.
This module aims to give an introduction to the Earth Sciences, placing importance on fundamental geological concepts and processes (dynamic Earth; plate tectonic theory; basic mineralogy and petrology; Earth history and palaeontology), and the fostering of basic geological skills (rock and mineral identification; geological maps).
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Have an appreciation for the dynamic nature of planet Earth and how this drives the rock cycle
2. Have an understanding of how the rock record preserves a history of past geological events (Earth system history) and some of the many limitations of this
3. Have an understanding of the basics of structural geology focusing on folds, faults and dipping strata
4. Be able to read and use geological maps and use them to make geological cross sections
5. Be able to interpret the environment or setting in which rocks likely formed based on their mineralogy and texture
6. Be familiar with basic concepts of palaeontology. Understand how the fossil record has helped to divide up geological time
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. The ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
2. The ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
3. Recognises and understands relationships and analyse complex systems.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Practicals | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 82 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Online quizzes: will help to consolidate learning from week to week, as well as test the students' knowledge of material covered and provide formative assessment. Formative feeback is ongoing at every practical session and model answers to practical problems are released on Minerva at the end of each practical. Practical drop-in session during reading week (week 6).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 50 |
| Assignment | OTLA | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 4/17/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team