Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Collecting & integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses.
- Recognising & using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts & principles.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- self-development/professional development.
- appreciating issues of sample selection accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording & analysis of data in the field and lab.
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
- preparing, processing, interpreting & presenting data,
- undertaking field investigations
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Have developed a comprehensive understanding of the processes that control sedimentary systems and learnt how to interpret their ancient analogues in the geological record.
- Have built up an extensive knowledge of case study examples from around the world based on reading and field experience which will serve as a means for you to critically evaluate published models.
- Understand the main controls that influence the accumulation of sediment in any particular environment, know how these controls interact and be familiar with their effects (i.e. sea level, tectonics, sediment supply, climate and 'autocyclic' controls).
- Be conversant with the comprehensive models that have been developed for sedimentary systems and have an in-depth knowledge of those selected for advanced study.
- Be able to find your way through the modern literature jungle in the field of sedimentary geology.
- Be confident in the interpretation of sedimentary rocks but realistic as to the limits of your analysis.
Syllabus
The module is divided into three components:
1. non-marine sediments
2. marine clastic sediments and
3. marine carbonate sediments.
Emphasis is placed on practicals that are designed to develop student skills of interpretation of sedimentary rocks in hand-specimen, thin section, drill-core and in the field. Students will become conversant with the comprehensive models that have been developed for continental, and both shallow and deep marine sedimentary systems and have an in-depth knowledge of those selected for advanced study.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Formal Lectures (20 x 45 minute lectures): will consider the theory underlying modern sedimentary systems and critically evaluate the interpretative models currently in use. Where relevant, lecturers’ own research experience in the appropriate fields is brought into the lecturing sessions.
Laboratory classes: will exemplify the theory and develop your practical skills of interpretation of sedimentary rocks in hand-specimen, thin-section, drill-core.
Field practical: A one day fieldcourse you will further develop your investigative and interpretative field skills.
A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 |
| Independent Study | 91 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 33 |
| Fieldwork | 4 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 50% |
| Assessment | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External