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GEOL40300

Academic Year 2024/2025

Environmental Geology (GEOL40300)

Subject:
Geology
College:
Science
School:
Earth Sciences
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Frank McDermott
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The purpose of this module is to provide graduate-level Environmental Science students with a basic level of knowledge of Earth materials (minerals, rocks, soils, glacial-tills), basic geological processes and geological structures in 3-D, and geomorphology from a geo-engineering perspective. The role of bedrock geology and unconsolidated deposits (e.g. glacial tills and fluvioglacial deposits) in shaping the landscape is also explored. The module also deals with the links between rock-type and water chemistry (surface and groundwaters) as well as the role of bedrock type in determining the vulnerability of aquifers to pollution.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to identify a range of common rock-forming and ore minerals in hand specimen. In addition students should be able to identify a range of common igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in hand specimen. Students should be aware of the common problems associated with engineering-related human impacts on the landscape, coastlines and groundwater resources and appreciate the role that rock-type plays in determining the chemistry of surface and groundwaters. Students should also understand how different aquifers have different vulnerabilities to surface-derived pollution and be able to make some qualitative predictions based on this knowledge.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

14
Practical

18
Field Trip/External Visits

8
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Blended teaching approach. Practical work designed to complement and reinforce material presented in the lectures.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
GEOL30070 - Geology for Civil Engineers


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Practical Skills Assessment: Field skills in observations and data recording for geological materials (solid geology and surficial deposits) Week 10 Graded No
5
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Weekly practical write-ups Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
15
 No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester closed-book Practical skills in geosciences exam Week 14, Week 15 Graded No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester written examination. Essay style questions. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Weekly individual feedback given to students on their laboratory notebooks. Group feedback given weekly on general progress and points that require particular attention.

Name Role
Dr Lawrence Amy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mark Coughlan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Claire Harnett Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Peter Haughton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Giorgia Ballabio Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 29 Fri 12:00 - 14:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32 Mon 11:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Tues 14:00 - 17:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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