GEOL10070 Understanding Earth Systems

Academic Year 2024/2025

The study of Earth Science requires an understanding of the physical, biological and chemical components that have shaped our planet through time. As Earth Scientists we adopt multidisciplinary approaches to study these processes, and generate knowledge that can be implemented in the sustainable management of earth resources, as well as protecting society from natural and anthropogenic induced hazards. In this module we will explore the major earth systems, their change over time, and identify some of the significant earth science challenges facing society at present. As part of a research-based approach, you will investigate critically some of these challenges and develop research, teamwork, communication and analytical skills in the process.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
● Demonstrate an understanding of Earth Systems and the interaction between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere
● Consider and appraise issues from a range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives, using approaches such as systems thinking
● Communicate succinctly complex scientific ideas
● Work effectively as part of a team

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

20
Small Group

30
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A series of ~20 paired lectures on approximately 3-5 different grand societal or scientific challenges that will require the generation of proto-geoscientists in the room to solve. Some indicative challenges could be:
● Modelling the effects of climate change from the rock record for future predictions
● Sustainable mineral supply for the energy transition
● Assessing and mitigating tsunami/sea-level rise impacts on Ireland
● Decarbonising the energy system/ carbon feedbacks in the climate system
● Protecting environmental geology (e.g. air, water and soil quality)

Group work on targeted research project in such areas as:
o Geoscientific data for policy decisions
o Geologic mapping to identify health risks
o Geohazard assessments
o Creating awareness of Earth Science issues in society
The group work could culminate in different outputs for assessment:
o Write a policy brief for Government on a topic (e.g. Ireland’s critical metal needs in the green transition) in a “think tank” style situation
o Write a scientific proposal to address one challenge. Some ideas could include:
o Have groups write proposals on where Ireland should focus Government spending on climate change mitigation measures (coastal defences or energy decarbonization or peatland restoration) in a Dragons Den style scenario
o Form an “Emergency Response Group” to assess a natural disaster impact (e.g. tsunami) on Ireland across different societal levels, so understanding the causes, likelihood, susceptibility, likely response and resilience.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Mid term MCQ exam Week 5 Graded No

40

 No
Exam (In-person): 1 hour end of trimester MCQ exam End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No

40

 No
Group Work Assignment: Seminar and group sessions producing reports Week 12 Graded No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Grades for in term assessments will be posted on Brightspace and students will have opportunity to discuss grades with MC if desired.