Module Identifier |
EA11510 |
Module Title |
PLANET EARTH |
Academic Year |
2007/2008 |
Co-ordinator |
Professor Alex Maltman |
Semester |
Semester 1 |
Course delivery |
Lecture | 20 x 1 hr |
Assessment |
Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours Mid-semester on-line 'trial' exam; marks not counted but exam is compulsory. 1.5 hrs on-line computer-marked multiple choice examination. | 100% |
Supplementary Assessment | Examination (100%) in the same on-line computer-marked multiple choice format. | 100% |
|
Learning outcomes
On succesful completion of this module, students should demonstrate knowledge of:-
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the setting of planet Earth
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the major minerals and rocks
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the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface
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volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes and the oceans
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fossils and the history of life
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mankind's interaction with the planet
Aims
This module is designed expressly to introduce to those students who would otherwise do little or no earth science a basic understanding and appreciation of physical aspects of our planet. However, it will also provide a general introduction for students beginning in Environmental Earth Science.
Content
This module introduces our planet and how it works, and is aimed primarily at those students who will not be continuing in Earth Science. The emphasis throughout is on concepts and understanding what you can see around you. Terminology is kept to a minimum. The course is especially suitable for students outside the Faculty of Science.
The first lectures introduce the setting of planet Earth and the ways in which we approach an understanding and appreciation of it. The chief kinds of minerals and rocks are explained, together with the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface. Other lectures cover such topics as volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, the oceans, and understanding the landscape. The state of Earth's energy and mineral resources is discussed, emphasising how we interact with our planet.
The lectures are fully illustrated, using examples from all over the U.K. and around the world. The course will follow closely the textbook 'Understanding Earth'; the lecture themes, listed below, largely coincide with the chapters in the third edition. Earlier editions of this book are also extremely suitable, although the 1st Edition has no CDROM. Any introductory text to the Earth, geology, etc. will also be helpful.
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Introduction to the course. The origins and setting of our planet.
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Understanding Earth: the science of geology.
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Minerals: Earth's building blocks.
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Igneous rocks I: underground melts.
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Igneous rocks II: volcanoes.
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Sediments and sedimentary rocks.
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Metamorphic rocks: slow changes at depth.
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Earth's internal stresses: the deformation of rocks.
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Time: a long perspective.
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Fossils and the history of life.
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Geological maps and the geology of the U.K.
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Ice ages, past and present.
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Oceans.
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Groundwater.
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Earthquakes.
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Inside our planet.
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A bountiful planet: rocks, minerals, and gemstones.
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A finite planet: Earth's dwindling resources.
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A dangerous planet: geohazards.
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Planet Earth: its future
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
Press, F., Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Jordan, T.H. (2004) Understanding Earth
4th. W.H. Freeman Ltd. 0716796171
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4