ES1802 The Geological History of Scotland

2024 to 2025 Summer after graduation

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to non-graduating students

Planned timetable

Mon - Fri, variable hours

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr L G Staddon

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Earth and Environmental Sciences Staff.

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces students to Earth Science using the geological history of Scotland as a case study. This is a four-week course that focuses on applying scientific method through collection and interpretation of field data collect by students. An emphasis is placed on identifying the distinction between data and interpretation, thinking in four dimensions and hypothesis testing. No prior knowledge of geology is required. Scotland is the ideal natural laboratory; it offers classic exposures of a variety of rock types relevant to key periods of time throughout three billion-years of Earth's history. The taught content of the module includes lectures, practical classes and field excursions. Assessments are comprised of written exams (multiple choice/short answer questions, an illustrated essay), a lab exam, field notebook presentation, participation in group discussions and written reports.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A THIRD LEVEL INSTITUTION. COMPLETION OF AT LEAST ONE YEAR IN A THIRD LEVEL INSTITUTION. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM THIS INSTITUTION / OBTAINED AT A 3.0 GPA IN ONE SCIENCE SUBJECT.

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

3-hour class test = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Each week of this module will typically consist of 7 hrs of lectures - lab classes. In addition students will take part in an average of 9 of fieldwork each week. Students are expected to completed the directed reading assignments and read outside of this literature in their own spare time.

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.