Course Catalogue

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An introduction to Earth Science, focusing on geological and environmental processes occurring at the Earth's surface and their associated hazards. Topics covered include volcanoes and their hazards, landscape change and evolution by weathering, erosion and depositional processes, and sources of pollution and its environmental impact and remediation. The basic principles of Earth Science are conveyed using 3D and 4D visualisation.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 9.00 am; weekly laboratory; one day of fieldwork.

There are no pre-requisites for entry to the course, although students normally have "A" or "B" passes in two or more Science subjects at SQA Higher or equivalent.

None

None, but students are strongly encouraged to co-enrol for EARTH1001 and EARTH1002.

Exam - 40%

Poster - various components totalling 30%

Quizzes (9 out of 10 must be submitted) - 30%

The aims of this course are to:

■ Provide an introduction to the study of Earth science.

■ Synthesize information on geological and environmental processes occurring at the Earth's surface and use

■ this information to understand and evaluate hazards and human interactions with the planet

■ Identify rocks and minerals in hand specimen, thin section and in the field.

■ Develop skills in interpreting 3D Earth science data to reconstruct geological and environmental histories, and challenges to be addressed today and in future by Earth scientists.

■ Develop problem solving, presentation and group working skills through the scientific method.

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

■ Explain volcanic processes and their hazards, and the formation of igneous rocks.

■ Explain the weathering of rocks and transportation, deposition and lithification of sediments to form sedimentary rocks.

■ Explain the development and evolution of landscapes and how the combination of surface processes and geology can generate hazards such as slope failure and flooding.

■ Identify and deduce the origin of different varieties of rocks, sediments and their textures.

■ Explain sources of pollution at the Earth's surface, their environmental impact and remediation.

■ Research geological and environmental topics using a variety of resources and present scientific information concisely and effectively in a poster format.

■ Describe geological and environmental features in the field and use this information to interpret their formation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment, attend 75% of the practical sessions, and 75% of the lectures.  Students must submit 9 out of the 10 quizzes.