Geoscience for a Sustainable World

Cod y Modiwl: GS22600
Teitl y Modiwl: Geoscience for a Sustainable World
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1 Dysgwyd dros 2 semester
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Marie Busfield
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Semester 1 Practical Workbook:	40%
Asesiad Semester	Semester 2 Practical Workbook:	40%
Asesiad Semester	Forensic Geoscience Assessment: 15 Minutes	20%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Semester 1 Practical Workbook:	40%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Semester 2 Practical Workbook:	40%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Forensic Geoscience Assessment: Presentation slides and accompanying written script that equates to a 15 minute oral presentation.	20%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Describe and classify igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary Earth materials at both macro- and micro-scale
Use the petrological microscope to identify the typical rock-forming minerals and use optical tests to determine mineral composition (where appropriate)
Analyse and interpret geological data to answer problem-based geoscience exercises
Evaluate the economic and societal value of Earth materials as resources including their responsible, equitable, and sustainable use

Disgrifiad cryno

Geoscientists hold a key role in tackling some of the grand challenges facing our planet and are key to achieving the sustainability solutions necessary for our society. These include understanding where to find valuable freshwater aquifers and reservoirs for carbon storage, how to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution, and exploration of minerals needed for green transport, green energy, and global communications. This module will develop vital skills in understanding our planet’s natural resources, including how to analyse them, where to find them, and how to use them responsibly, and will explore the important contributions geoscientists can make towards achieving a sustainable and equitable world.

Cynnwys

The module will draw on the following key themes:

• Earth resources and responsible consumption
• Sedimentology and society
• Minerals for the energy transition
• Geoscience and the Sustainable Development Goals

Practical exercises will provide opportunities to apply methods and concepts introduced in lectures to the analysis of real Earth materials. Techniques will include macro-scale analysis of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and minerals, crystallography, and optical mineralogy. Students will have the opportunity to apply their geological knowledge to a forensic geoscience mock crime scene investigation at the end of the course.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Oral and written communication skills will be developed throughout this course via group-working during practicals, written practical workbooks, and the small group forensic geoscience exercise.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Module will explore the important contributions professional geoscientists can make towards achieving a sustainable and equitable world. Using case studies will highlight the importance of the practical examples to problems and challenges students may face in their future employment. The forensic geoscience assessment will use a wide range of the practical skills from the course to solve a problem and will help to develop personal/interpersonal skills.
Datrys Problemau	The strong practical element of this course will develop problem solving skills such as using advanced rock and mineral analysis techniques to answer problem-based geoscience exercises. The final assessed exercise for this module will consist of a ‘forensic geoscience problem’ in which small groups of students will be given a range of pieces of geological evidence to solve a simulated crime and collate a body of supporting evidence to present to a (mock) legal team.
Gwaith Tim	Collaborative team-work and peer-learning in small groups will form and integral part of both the practical and group forensic geoscience exercise. Students will be expected to play an active part in group activities.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Formative feedback will be provided on practical workbooks throughout the semesters to allow students to gauge their learning and, hopefully, improve their performance.
Rhifedd	The practical element of the course may include a variety of numerical exercises which will improve the application of number skills.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	This core module will develop vital subject specific skills and enhance the employability of graduates by learning and applying a range of practical techniques employed by professional geoscientists.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Throughout the course the students will research sources of information to support the taught element of the course. Specific reading/research topics will be set to enhance the examples used in lectures and practicals so that the students assemble a broader range of examples and case studies.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	The forensic geoscience assessment on this module will require the use of presentation technology such as Powerpoint. A proportion of the marks awarded for the presentation will be based on the appropriate use of IT.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5