ES1001 Understanding Planet Earth

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

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.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12.00 noon - 1.00 pm Mon - Fri. Practicals: Thursday 2-4 or Thursday 4-6 or Friday 2-4

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

Module coordinator

Dr C V Rose

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

The Earth is unique in our solar-system by being both geologically active and hosting a myriad of life. This module introduces the study of Planet Earth, from planetary formation to the present-day processes that control our climate. The course covers topics including the dawn of the solar system, the dynamic nature of the solid Earth, and the surface processes that shape the planet. We introduce oceanography, atmospheric science and the cryosphere to understand how climate has and will continue to change with time. Fieldwork will be introduced as two half-day excursions and you will gain experience critically assessing scientific data, working in groups, and giving oral and written presentations.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

50% continuous assessment, 50% exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

5 lectures, tutorials and skills sessions, and 1 x 2-hour practical (x 11 weeks), 7-hours fieldwork in total.

Scheduled learning hours

77

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

Guided independent study hours

123

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