Geology and the landscape ADED11686

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 0
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course explores the relationship between the landscape and the underlying geology, considering: surface processes of weathering and erosion; the type of climate; the effects of uplift and subsidence of the Earth's crust; the composition and structure of the rocks themselves; and the evolution of the landscape through time. Specific examples such as glacial terrains, deserts, and volcanic landscapes will be explored. The landscapes of Scotland will be described and we will consider the reason why mountains such as the Scottish Highlands exist. The course will be delivered through both lectures and practical classes.

Timetable

Blocks 1 and 2

2 hours per week for 20 weeks

Thursday, 14.00-16.00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

None

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

■ Introduce students to the relationship between the landscape and the underlying geology

■ Explore the geological and other processes that lead to present-day landscapes

■ Give students practical experience of identifying different rock types and landscapes

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand plate tectonics, and the relationship between tectonics, geological structures, and landform.

■ Understand the processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.

■ Describe basic landforms and their underlying geology, and understand the evolution of these landforms.

■ Identify and describe basic rock types and a range of landscapes

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Not applicable to a non-credit bearing course