Contemporary Topics in Geology and Geophysics | SOES6001

Module overview

This module deals with contemporary issues in geology and geophysics. It will develop your presentation and writing skills. It includes an independent study of two chosen contemporary topics supported by electronic journal resources. The topics are provided by the module lead and associated staff, including ‘starting references’ to direct your independent study. Individual guidance on the direction of study will be provided by the subject lead.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Critically assess bodies of knowledge on contemporary topics in geology and geophysics.
Plan, prepare and write critical syntheses of knowledge on the findings of current research in the contemporary, scientific literature in a format suitable for publication in a scientific journal, adhering to scientific conventions in terms of structure, style, data presentation and referencing.
Plan, prepare and present oral presentations on the findings of current research in the contemporary, scientific literature.
Research, analyse and synthesise a body of knowledge on a given contemporary topic in geology and geophysics.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Presentation/communication skills
Scientific research skills
Writing skills

Syllabus

You will choose three key topics from a list of options in your specialist area. A reading list of seminal papers for these is provided as a starting list. It is expected that you expand your reading list with additional papers.

You will be required to write a critical review and make a short oral presentation on each of your selected topics at weekly seminars.

Much of the learning will be through independent reading. The breadth of subject coverage is intended to broaden and deepen your knowledge of topical issues in your specialist area, as well as to develop scientific writing and presentation skills.

To ensure that this module delivers fully on its learning outcomes, all students will be expected to attend all seminar sessions.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Note: Exact contact hours will vary, depending on the size of the module group.

Seminars will be led by a variety of staff members with expertise in a range of important contemporary topics.

Reading will be guided by staff members, but much of the learning will be through independent reading and study by students who will also give oral presentations at seminar-style classes.

The programme will consist of 12 two-hour seminars.

Supplementary material: Geophysics Seminar, NOCS Seminar programmes and WUN Seminars.

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

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	40
Independent Study	126
Total study time	166

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Written reports (70%): Two reports on a topic which you will be expected to review, identify key scientific issues at stake and summarise arguments on both sides. You will be expected to form your own opinion on the matter. Each report should not be more than 4 A4 pages in total.

Oral presentations (30%): Two x 5-10 minute presentations at seminar style gatherings, on a keynote topic.

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Presentation	30%
Paper	70%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External