ENVR06041 2019 Earth Science

General Details

Full Title
Earth Science
Transcript Title
Earth Science
Code
ENVR06041
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Cait Coyle
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SAPPL_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SAPPL_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology SG_SAPPL_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Applied Archaeology SG_SAPPL_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Archaeology SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SAPPL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology
Description

This module allows students to describe the fundamental geological processes, which have resulted in the formation, modification and destruction of the earth's crust. Students will acquire practical skills (field and laboratory based) for the characterisation of common rock and mineral types, in addition to the examination of basic soil properties.  The socioeconomic importance (past and present) of geological resources and processes to human beings will be explained. Key geological data sources will be identified. The module also introduces students to the earth's climate system.

 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Explain the geological processes associated with volcanoes, in addition to their impact on human beings.

2.

Distinguish beween the main categories of rocks and rock forming minerals.

3.

Discuss the main processes of weathering.

4.

Examine factors responsible for soil formation.

5.

Identify the main agents of erosion responsible for the modification of the earth's surface.

6.

Introduction to the earth's climate system.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures, laboratory practicals, and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is 60% Continuous Assessment and 40% Final exam.

Continuous assessment will comprise a written assignment on one specific aspect of Earth Science.

A logbook for field and laboratory based practicals will form an ongoing item of assessment during the semester.

The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

 

Repeat Assessments

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.

Module Dependencies

Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None

Indicative Syllabus

1. Explain the geological processes associated with volcanoes, in addition to their impact on human beings.

1.1 The composition and dynamics of the earth.

1.2 Plate tectonics.

1.3 Geological processes associated with volcanoes.

2. Distinguish between the main categories of rocks and rock forming minerals.

2.1 The composition and formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

2.2 The major groups of rock forming minerals.

2.3 Field trip to sites of geological interest

3. Discuss the main processes of weathering.

3.1 Chemical, mechanical and biological weathering processes.

3.2 Factors influencing the weathering processes.

4 Examine factors responsible for soil formation.

4.1 Factors of soil formation.

4.2 Fieldwork on soil characterisation

4.3 Data sources on soil types.

5. Identify the main agents of erosion responsible for the modification of the earth's surface.

5.1 Glaciation

5.2 Rivers as agents of erosion and deposition.

5.3 Field trip to sites of interest.

6. Introduction to the earth's climate system.

6.1 Components of the climate system.

6.2 Climate variation.

6.3 The climate in Ireland.

6.3 The greenhouse effect.

6.4 The carbon cycle.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
60 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
40 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Written Geological Report Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 9 1,2,4,5
2 Practical Evaluation Log Book Coursework Assessment Practical Evaluation 30 % OnGoing 1,2,4,5
             

End of Semester / Year Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Final Exam Final Exam Final Exam Closed Book Exam 40 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5,6
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Practical / Laboratory Science Laboratory Laboratory Practical 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Self Study 3 Weekly 3.00
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2017-08-31 Earth Science Pearson
ISBN 9780134543536 ISBN-13 9780134543536
Required Reading
2006-06-02 Geoarchaeology: The Earth-Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation, Second Edition Yale University Press
ISBN 0300109660 ISBN-13 9780300109665

[ Geoarchaeology: The Earth-Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation By ( Author ) May-2006 Paperback

Required Reading
2016-10-11 The Nature and Properties of Soils, Global Edition Pearson
ISBN 1292162236 ISBN-13 9781292162232
Required Reading
2014-04-14 Understanding Earth W. H. Freeman
ISBN 1464138745 ISBN-13 9781464138744

Title: Understanding Earth <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: JohnGrotzinger <>Publisher: W.H.Freeman&Company

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Press, F. and Siever, R. (1986).  Earth.  W.H.Freeman, U.S.A.

Brady, N.C. (2007). The Nature and Properties of Soil. Pearson, Prentice, Hall.

Tarbuck, E.J., Lutgens, F.K. and Tasa, D. (2010). Earth Science. 13th Edition. Prentice Hall.

Rapp, G and Hill, C.L. (2006) Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation. Yale University Press.

 

 

 

Journal Resources

.

URL Resources

www.gsi.ie

https://www.usgs.gov/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Other Resources

None

Additional Information

None