Module manager: Sandra Piazolo
Email: S.Piazolo@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of Level 1 Geology or Level 1 Environmental Geoscience (or equivalent for ISA)
SOEE2980 Global Tectonics
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Discover how Earth materials deform and interact to shape tectonic environments and landscapes. Explore how deformation changes the physical properties of materials, altering their behaviour over time and their effect on subsurface fluid flow. You'll learn how to record, describe, quantify, and interpret deformation structures at a variety of scales in different materials (rocks, soils, ice), and to synthesize data to develop a geological, structural, and/or tectonic history of an area. You will also use satellite data to analyse changing geomorphology of active tectonic landscapes and learn how we monitor active deformation.
The objectives of the module is to enable students to:
• Convey an understanding of the ways in which Earth materials deform from small- to large-scale, building upon level 1 knowledge.
• Link scales of structure and material properties from satellite images, outcrops, hand-specimen, and thin-section by integrating analytical techniques with practical examples.
• Demonstrate how the sequence of deformation processes to which Earth materials have been subjected are used to understand geological histories, subsurface fluid flow, and landscape evolution.
• Develop an understanding of the physical principles of Earth Observation using satellites and how these methods are applied to study deformation of Earth materials.
• Show how geoscientists reconstruct the deformation history of active tectonic landscapes from characterisation of their geomorphology.
• Conduct field-based project work in an efficient and safe manner
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Explain the principles underlying physical processes that influence dynamics of Earth materials at sample scales through to plate tectonic scales.
SSLO2: Explain how Earth Observation can be used to investigate geological properties and processes and solve problems in Earth Science.
SSLO3: Explain the ways in which Earth materials can deform and are influenced by the presence of fluids.
SSLO4: Link scales of structure from the regional to local, using satellite, outcrop, hand-specimen and thin-section observation by integrating analytical techniques with practical examples.
SSLO5: Prepare for field-based project work through laboratory and field exercises, and conduct field-based project work in an efficient and safe manner.
SSLO6: Work as part of a group to synthesise field-based observations to understand the geotectonic evolution of an area.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills-based learning outcomes:
SKLO1: The ability to learn through practice, learning proactively in the field and adopting effective learning strategies (active learning).
SKLO2: Build constructive, supportive, and cooperative relationships with others through collection and presentation of field observations and data (collaboration, interpersonal skills).
SKLO3: Demonstrate an ability to use digital technology to create and communicate research using accessible digital items when producing a scientific poster (digital creation, digital collaboration, presentation).
SKLO4: Develop skills in using recognition criteria of deformation processes and tectonic environments to aid understanding, and inform interpretations (creativity, critical thinking).
SKLO5: Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form arguments, theories and ideas (academic skills).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Practicals | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Practicals | 15 | 2 | 30 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 133 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 67 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In practical classes, staff and demonstrators provide continuous formative feedback, with occasional exercises run as small class tests under exam conditions with feedback provided afterwards. Model answers and solutions provided for some practical work. Formative feedback is available continuously from staff and demonstrators during the field class. Work from the field class is taken in for formative feedback on skills development relevant to mapping.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group work | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Group poster uses observations and data collected in the field. Max group size will be 3. If someone cannot attend the field trip there is a very high-quality virtual version of this field area that can be used to gather the necessary observations. A direct resit is not possible as it is group work. A resubmitted poster will be assessed at a level appropriate for (re)submission as an individual. If data collection needs to be repeated it can be done using the virtual version of the field trip. A reflective piece of writing on the group work will be required. SKLO2 will not be assessed in case of a resit but will be covered in other modules on the programme.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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