| Unit name | Integrated Geological Studies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASC20058 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Rowley |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Successful completion of a Year 1 Geology programme. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This unit enables you to develop and bring together skills in the lab and field, to develop a holistic understanding of geological systems. You will work independently to complete a wide variety of exercises which will train you in how to thoroughly describe and then interpret multi-faceted datasets, building a laboratory notebook which will act as a resource both for your future study and the examination of this unit. Advanced field skills will be developed through a residential field course, during which you will learn to integrate observations to build nuanced interpretations of geological processes and histories.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit encourages you to link your experience and ongoing learning in the Geology programme, requiring you to integrate skills and understanding from across the spectrum of the subject. This will include – but not be limited to - thin section analysis, hand specimen identification, map interpretation, and fieldwork. Large parts of this unit are reliant on independent study, giving you the experience to develop the skills necessary to guide your own progress and work effectively in the future. This unit addresses skills and understanding required to excel in any future independent project.
An overview of content
During the year you will complete a number of guided activities, which will enhance specific geological skills, and eventually build to you completing comprehensive analyses which bring together information from a variety of different sources. A typical example might be using thin section information to interpret metamorphic histories of an area, and tying this together with map and hand specimen data to propose areas subject to increased landslide risk. Your ability to work with hand specimens, maps and structural geology techniques will then be integrated with advanced field skills in order to give you confidence in interpreting complex field areas in a nuanced and meaningful way. These consolidated skills will enable you to carry out high quality independent research in your future studies.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
In completing this unit you will have become a geologist who can competently manage their time to work in an independent manner, and integrate lab and field information with confidence to reach insightful conclusions about geological histories, structures and relationships.
Learning Outcomes
You should be able to:
You will have time scheduled each week to help you manage your independent study timetable, guaranteeing access to the samples required for the independent study activities. These activities will range from simple sample observation, description and identification, to structural geology exercises, to more complex and involved applied interpretations of a range of data. The activities will be released in batches throughout the year, for you to complete at your own pace and in an order of your choosing. All work should be completed in your lab notebook, which may be taken into the exam at the end of the unit.
Fieldwork (~ 5 days) will enable you to develop advanced field skills, which will complement those developed during the independent activities. This will provide you an opportunity to apply your understanding to real-world data and interpretation.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Thorough sample descriptions and guidance notes are provided alongside independent study activities for you to benchmark your own observations, identifications and interpretations.
Demonstrators are available each week for formative feedback and discussion.
Weekly dedicated office hours and scheduled 1:1 feedback sessions are provided for you to seek formative feedback and guidance.
Supervision and demonstrators in the field provide an opportunity for skills and progress checking
There is one formative submission point that is required to be of sufficient quality to qualify for unit credit:
Digital basemap
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
A final exam testing the breadth of skills developed in the unit (45%)
Fieldwork activities (45%)
Literature review in preparation for your third-year project (10%)
When assessment does not go to plan
The University's Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes outline the requirements for progression on and completion of degree programmes. Students who miss an exam and self-certify their absence may complete a supplementary assessment for an uncapped mark as if taken for the first time. Resit and supplementary exams are habitually taken during the reassessment period later in the summer. As far as is practicable and appropriate, resit and supplementary assessments will be in the same form as the original assessment but will always test the same intended learning outcomes as the initial missed or failed assessment. In the case of group work, failure by a whole group would result in an appropriate group task being set and reassessed for all group members. If a single student fails a group assessment or is unable to participate for an evidenced reason, an individual reassessment will be set.
There are rigorous and fair procedures in place to support students who are ill or whose studies and assessments are affected by exceptional circumstances.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC20058).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
