Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- appreciating issues of sample selection accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording & analysis of data in the field and lab.
- self-development/professional development.
- undertaking field investigations
- preparing, processing, interpreting & presenting data,
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Be confident in the interpretation of sedimentary rocks but realistic as to the limits of your analysis.
- Have developed a comprehensive understanding of the processes that control sedimentary systems and learnt how to interpret their ancient analogues in the geological record.
- 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.
- 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.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Recognising & using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts & principles.
- Collecting & integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses.
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 |
| Fieldwork | 4 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 33 |
| Independent Study | 91 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Theory examination (60%): A two and a half hour written examination comprising three sections. A total of 3 questions to be answered, with one from each section. All are traditional 'essay style' and some are separated into multiple parts. The division of marks for subsections of questions is given as a guide to you on the length of your answers. Tests Learning Outcomes 1-7.
Practical examination (40%): For the first 10 weeks, lectures will be accompanied by a non-assessed practical. NB. One of these (TBA, tide dependent) is an all day field course to Portishead. Model answers for each practical will be available at the following practical. You are STRONGLY advised to attend every practical because in the practical slot for week 11 your laboratory skills will be tested in the form of a 3 hour PRACTICAL EXAM. Tests Learning Outcomes 1-7.
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