Aims

Understand the fundamental geologic processes (e.g., plate tectonics, erosion, sedimentation) that shape Earth's surface and interior over geological time

Explain the structure of the solid Earth, including its layers (crust, mantle, core), composition, and physical properties

Apply the plate tectonics paradigm to explain various geological phenomena (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building)

Identify common rock-forming minerals based on their physical properties (e.g., color, luster, hardness) and chemical composition

Describe the rock cycle as a continuous process that interconnects igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks through various geological processes

Explain the formation mechanisms and characteristic features of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Describe the key rock forming minerals in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Explain the concepts of stress and strain and describe how these forces relate to plate tectonics and gravitational loading (e.g., weight of overlying rock or water columns) and how they lead to deformation in Earth materials

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides a foundational understanding of key geological processes that shape our planet. Students will explore the Earth's internal structure, delve into the principles of plate tectonics, and learn about the rock cycle and the formation of different rock types. The module emphasizes the concepts of stress and strain and how they lead to deformation in Earth materials.

Through a series of lectures, practicals and a field trip the students will gain an understanding of the dynamic process that underpin geological processes.

Specifically;

Introduction to Geology and Earth's Structure
- Earth's internal structure: Crust, mantle, core
- Composition of the Earth and evidence for the structure

Plate Tectonics and Geological Processes
- Plate tectonics theory: Evidence and mechanisms
- Types of plate boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform)
- Earthquakes: Causes, types, and measurement
- Volcanoes: Formation, types, and hazards

The Rock Cycle
- Igneous rocks: Formation, classification, examples
- Sedimentary rocks: Weathering, erosion, deposition, lithification
- Metamorphic rocks: Transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure

Minerals and their Identification
- Definition and characteristics of minerals
- Physical properties used for mineral identification (color, luster, hardness, cleavage, etc.)
- Common rock-forming minerals (quartz, feldspar, mica, olivine, etc.)

Stress and Strain in Earth Materials
- Define stress and strain, differentiate between types (tension, compression, shear)
- Explore sources of stress in Earth's crust: Plate tectonics, gravitational loading (weight of overlying rocks and water).
- Explain how stress leads to deformation: Folding, faulting, ductile flow.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to provide 1) an introduction to processes and the evidence of these and 2) information, details and facts, as well as a guide to the syllabus and reading. This is reinforced using case studies and practical classes. Case studies presented in the lectures are used to explain the link between outcrops and geological processes.

Field trips are used to introduce students to observation and description of the characteristics of rocks. The location of field trips will be linked to both the case studies and the specimens in practical classes where possible.

Practical classes are the primary opportunity for students to link investigate how rocks and minerals relate to the broader dynamic Earth processes. It provides an opportunity to practice skills needed for to make observations in the field, in hand specimens and in thin sections.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Digital Exam – In the exam period a Digital Exam (MCQ) will assess the students’ knowledge and understanding of some of the key paradigms that underpin the evolution of the Earth and geological processes present day. The assessment will cover the structure and composition of the solid earth; global plate tectonics; the rock cycle and the formation of different rock types.

The practical classes will provide the primary opportunity for students to link how observations from rocks and minerals relate to the broader dynamic Earth processes. The formative assessment will provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their understanding and interpretation of different data and sources of information.