Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe Earth and ocean science problems in a quantitative manner.
• Apply the mathematical techniques identified above to common problems in Earth and ocean science.
• Solve basic mathematical problems using the mathematical techniques identified above.
• Recognise that the above mathematical techniques can be used to solve common Earth and ocean science problems.
• Solve basic mathematical problems using the following mathematical techniques: 1. Numbers, units and physical quantities 2. Basic arithmetic and algebra 3. Exponential and logarithmic functions 4. More advanced algebra 5. Basic trigonometry 6. Basic vector algebra 7. Basic differentiation 8. Basic integration 9. Probability and statistics
• Apply the above mathematical techniques to solve Earth and ocean science problems to the level that you will encounter in your 1st and 2st year modules.

This module will teach you the basic mathematical skills necessary to quantitatively describe common earth and ocean science problems. At the end of the module you will be able to apply these mathematical techniques to earth and ocean science problems that you will encounter in your first and second year modules.

Teaching and learning methods

Short introductory lectures: will provide you with the skills necessary to solve basic mathematical problems and show you how to apply these skills to common earth and ocean science problems.

Short practical exercises: will immediately follow the lectures and are aimed at cementing your knowledge of the basic mathematical skills and helping you apply this knowledge to common earth and ocean science problems.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Assessment strategy

Assessment Method

Weekly practical exercises: will be handed in at the end of each practical and returned the following week. Model answers will be available after each practical session. Practicals are for formative assessment only and marks will not count towards final module mark. Tests learning outcomes 1, 2 & 3.

Mid- module examination (40%): a 2 hour written examination based on the course material covered by mid-module (Numbers, units and physical quantities; Basic arithmetic and algebra; Exponential and logarithmic functions; More advanced algebra). Questions will be presented in the same format as those encountered in the practical sessions. The questions will be designed to test your ability to apply the taught skills to novel problems, rather than to test recall of factual information. Tests learning outcome 3.

End of module examination (60%): a 2 hour written examination based on the course material covered by end-of-module (Basic trigonometry; Basic vector algebra; Basic differentiation; Basic integration; Probability and statistics). Questions will be presented in the same format as those encountered in the practical session. The questions will be designed to test your ability to apply the taught skills to novel problems, rather than to test recall of factual information. Tests learning outcome 3.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.