Undergraduate Course: Field Skills for Geology (EASC10105)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course encompasses key field training provided for 3rd year Geology students through delivery of field courses, including:
1. 2 week field course to Inchnadamph in NW Scotland (prior to the start of S1) 10 credits
2. 2 week field course in Spain (during spring vacation) 10 credits
These trips teach a wide array of field skills, including mapping, structural analysis and reconstruction, quantitative field techniques, and methods of data collection and integration.
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| Course description |
The Inchnadamph field trip aims to develop an understanding of the relationship between surface and subsurface and increases the ability of students to gather pertinent data from rock outcrops and surface features. Mapping work is undertaken on two areas, one approximately 1.5km2 in size, in week 1; and the other about 3 km2 in size, in week 2. Students spend 8 days on work directly related to these mapping exercises, complemented by 3 days of supporting field investigation. Two days are devoted to data analysis and report production.
The second section of this course involves a 2 week fieldtrip to Spain. The Spain field trip focuses on the development of Neogene and Quaternary sedimentary basins and associated magmatic and tectonic activity in the Betic Cordillera in SE Spain. The field course is skills-based, but students will also gain a broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of the Neogene and Quaternary evolution of SE Spain which will be gained through analysis of the tectonic, volcanic, and sedimentological history of the area.
The trip will improve understanding of geological processes with an emphasis on interpreting rocks at the outcrop and regional scale. A wide range of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks will be studied, and training will be given in the field identification of rocks, and the interpretation of deformation, sedimentary sequences, and a range of igneous phenomena. All of the observations made during the week will be gathered together through the construction of a rock-relation diagram.
You will also undertake a structural geological mapping exercise that will integrate observations from multiple scales. You will be trained in various field techniques including digital mapping and model building as well as microstructural exercises on samples from the field area. The principal learning outcomes are the further development of key field skills. These will assist students when they undertake their independent mapping project. Students will learn how to exercise the autonomy and initiative required to conduct independent field work and will practise drawing on a range of sources to assist with making judgements.
You will also be trained in personal presentation skills of your field observations and interpretations, as well as group and team-working, and professional practice.
***Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including security risks, increased costs or inability to access field locations. Any changes to the main destination of the field course will be announced as soon as possible***
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Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 36 |
| Course Start |
Full Year |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 4,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 8,
Fieldwork Hours 182,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
0 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Coursework 100%
Assessment will consist of:
Inchnadamph: 50% of course - 10 credits
Spain: 50% of course - 10 credits
Inchnadamph:
Student Notebook (25%)
Skiaig Bridge mapping report (25%)
Structural exercises (10%)
Ullapool mapping project (40%)
Spain:
Detailed map from small area (40%)
Sedimentary log (20%)
Rock-relations diagram (40%)
Assessment deadlines
Assessments for Inchnadamph and Spain will be handed in during the respective fieldtrips.
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| Feedback |
During field trips, and with the group on marking of course material. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Develop a broad, integrated knowledge of the geology and evolution of both the Assynt region and its place in the geological evolution of NW Britain, and the Neogene and Quaternary evolution of SE Spain.
- Develop and enhance field skills required for the effective documentation and interpretation of rock outcrops and other forms of surface geological data.
- Develop skills in visualising map and related field data in three dimensions using appropriate graphical techniques.
- Develop an appreciation of the degree of uncertainty of the data collection methods and the relationship between surface and subsurface data.
- Develop your skills in synthesising the geology of an area through the integrated use of maps, cross-sections, diagrams and accompanying reports.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
For up to date information regarding the dates of field trips please see:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/geosciences/teaching-organisation/ug-students/ug-field-trips |
| Keywords | Geology,Field Skills,mapping |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Rachel Wood
Tel: (0131 6)50 6014
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Katerina Sykioti
Tel: (0131 6)50 5430
Email: |
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