School of Earth and Ocean Sciences: Study Abroad Modules
For more information visit the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Website.
Full Year Modules (Level Two)
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology EA2010
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
This double module covers the fundamental areas of hard rock petrology, such as mineralogy, volcanology, volcanic hazards, magma chamber processes, mantle melting, controls on regional and contact metamorphism, deformation and metamorphism, geothermobarometry, radiometric age dating and meteorite/comet impact rocks. It will provide the knowledge and understanding to enable a greater appreciation of how the interplay of magmatism, deformation, tectonics and pressure have shaped, and continue to shape, the fabric of our planet.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory work
Assessments
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
The Ocean Atmosphere System EA2018
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
A lecture based module providing a broad grounding in meteorology and oceanography emphasising the links between the atmosphere and ocean.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Marine and Coastal Resource Development EA2019
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
Provides an overview of marine and coastal activities, with an emphasis on the use of marine resources and related coastal development. The major topics focus respectively upon marine biological resources; marine mineral and energy resources; and coastal development with regard to the onshore manifestations of the above resources together with consideration of offshore renewable energy, tourism and recreation, conservation and waste disposal.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorial sessions
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
This double module is concerned with the study and applications of coastal hydrography in exploration and exploitation of marine resources. The module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to plan, execute, chart and present a coastal hydrographic survey.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Full Year Modules (Level Three)
Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis EA3018
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module reviews the origins of sedimentary basins and the controls on and nature of their sedimentary fills, with emphasis on those factors influencing the formation and trapping of oil and gas. It introduces the techniques for subsurface exploration for and evaluation of hydrocarbons. The integrative nature of hydrocarbon exploration and evaluation is a theme and students will appreciate the types of skills needed, and challenges provided by careers in the oil and gas industry.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module develops the principles and techniques studied in the second year module “Coastal Hydrography” to investigate recent developments in hydrographic surveying. The module is designed to provide students with the knowledge, practical and analytical skills necessary to plan, undertake and report a marine site investigation survey using contemporary surveying techniques. The module focuses on advanced marine surveying techniques and the analysis and interpretation of three-dimensional marine survey data.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module provides an overview of the study of marine geography in terms of the functional organisation of regional sea and ocean areas. It provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the implications of the multiple use of such areas and the potential conflicts that need to be addressed. It is designed to act as a synthesis of the scheme and demonstrate the management options available for decision support and problem solving in the formulation of development plans. Both sectoral and integrated approaches are examined culminating in a simulation exercise designed to demonstrate application of the various tools and methodologies.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 35 %
Coursework: 65%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module contains an overview of current research in the field of ocean history, with specific reference to global change and the marine environment. It will provide the knowledge and understanding to appreciate the broader issues involved in the study of an integrated ocean-atmosphere system. Human perturbation of key climatic processes will be discussed in the context of understanding the protocols for management and mitigation of future impacts of global change on the marine environment.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Autumn Semester Modules (Level Two)
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module is an introduction to microfossils, their analysis and applications to reconstructing marine and terrestrial environments. The student will learn to identify and record microfossils, to analyse data sets and to integrate data from many microfossil groups to produce a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory practical classes
Guided study
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This Level Two module investigates the use of Satellite Remote Sensing and geophysical survey methods in the study of the composition and structure of the Earth’s surface and interior.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Practical Sessions
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module discusses the geometry of rock masses, their processes of deformation, the resulting geological structures, how they may be studied and the kinds of information that may thus be obtained.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module focuses on the structure and function of marine ecosystems in relation to their environment. It also introduces marine conservation as a component of biosphere study. The module serves as a foundation for the understanding of global biodiversity and the fragility of ecosystems as well as providing fundamental skill in the recognition of organism/environment.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Workshops
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Environmental Pollution EA2025
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module addresses key aspects of pollution science, providing an overview and insight into the characteristics and impacts of a range of pollutants, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and radioactivity. The module covers the main principles of pollution science, illustrates pathways, transport, dispersion and behaviour of pollutants within a range of environmental media. It also explores the scientific basis of a selection of pollution control measures.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms EA2027
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module is a process-based introduction to the physical, chemical and biological processes that modify the Earth’s surface and produce sedimentary deposits.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Applied Geographical Information Science EA2036
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module builds on the Geographical Information Systems teaching presented in Year 1, through both lectures and practicals. The students will learn more advanced aspect of the theory of Geographical Information Science in the lectures, and will learn to use leading GIS software (currently ArcGIS) to undertake analysis for a range of spatial data in the practicals.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Assessments
Examination: 25%
Coursework: 75%
Data Acquisition and Analysis EA2101
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module is designed to introduce students to the wide variety of site investigation
techniques applied to the collection of field data. The module also covers statistical techniques of data analysis and the skills required in report writing.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Exchange Student Fieldcourse EA2037
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The aim of this 10 credit module based entirely on fieldwork exercises is to train students in the scientific process of creating a geological map and deciphering the geological evolution of a study area from field observations.
Teaching Methods:
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Fieldwork: 100%
Autumn Semester (Level Three)
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module will train the student in state-of-the-art analytical methods for the processing and interpretation of data collected from a variety of structural environments. The techniques covered will be relevant to the areas ranging from foreland areas dominated by brittle structural processes through to areas dominated by ductile and repeated deformation.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessments
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%.
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module provides an overview of surface and groundwater resources through an understanding of the hydrologic cycle; the relationship between surface water resources, the management and control; the relationship between geology and aquifer properties and the occurrence of groundwater; the principles of groundwater flow including flow to wells; water quality and contaminant hydrogeology.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module deals with the application of geology in the field of civil engineering. It emphasises those aspects of rock and soil properties relevant to construction projects, and outlines how such properties are determined in the laboratory. The module introduces the geology student to the language and concepts
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Environmental Management and Policy EA3024
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module outlines the historical and institutional basis of environmental management as well as providing an insight into the objectives and principles of current European and UK environmental policy and management practice. It exposes students to a selection of traditional, regulatory instruments designed to protect environmental quality as well as presenting an overview and evaluation of a range of other evolving techniques and approaches to environmental management and stewardship.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Applications of Marine Science EA3028
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module provides an overview of the application of meteorological and oceanographic data, forecasts and services to current issues and selected industries. It provides an understanding of relevant scientific principles and techniques, and explores their uses in the decision making process using modern industrial practices and current issues as case studies. In addition it examines the role the marine environment can have in contributing to the renewable energy resource.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Field Visits
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This is an advanced course in the acquisition, evaluation and interpretation of palaeobiological information, focusing on secular biodiversity patterns and organism-environment interactions over geological time scales.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratories
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
A quantitative framework for discussing the competing effects of climate and tectonics on the shape of landscapes.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Autumn Semester (Level Four)
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
This module provides the student with a broad grasp of applied, practical spore, pollen, dinoflagellate and acritarch diversity with a strong emphasis on evolutionary aspects and on their use in biostratigraphy, palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological reconstruction.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Laboratory Sessions
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
An introduction to geomicrobiology, including the metabolisms and interactions which enable microbes to be active in the geosphere, their adaptations to extreme environments, and their metabolic activities that underpin biogeochemistry and many geological processes.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Marine Carbonate Chemistry EA4019
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
This module will take the student through the fundamental aspects of the marine carbonate system. The course will begin by introducing the student to the basics of carbonate chemistry in seawater and journey through the history of investigations into how the ocean may play a role in controlling atmospheric CO2. The course will be focused on recent and ongoing research as well as more established studies. Outside reading and study will be a necessity. The course will require familiarity with chemical concepts and some thermodynamics and kinetics
but we will use first principles where possible.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Spring Semester (Level Two)
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module explores the methods used to reconstruct life habits of fossil organisms, how they interacted in communities and ecosystems, and their relationship to the environments in which they lived. Taphonomic processes and their effects are examined, and ecological changes through time are considered within the broader evolution of the marine biosphere. The course covers applications and uses of palaeoecological data, and data analysis.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Tutorials
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
In this module we shall gain an understanding of the principles of plate tectonics, the grand unifying theory of the Earth Sciences. We shall apply a broad variety of geological and geophysical techniques to study the major plate boundary zones on Earth and understand the principal driving forces that control the behaviour of the plates.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This is a lecture based module that focuses on the chemistry of the Earth’s surface and the processes that are occurring on it. It concentrates on the main water and soil environments of rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans as well as their underlying sediments. Biogeochemical cycles and human impact upon them are used to illustrate the concepts.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This Level Two module provides an overview on energy, building material, industrial mineral and metalliferous resources, and on how these are mined and processed. With this basis the environmental impact of these operations, and the ways that these can be limited or mitigated are further considered.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Terrestrial Ecology and Pedology EA2021
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module will describe the interrelationships of plants and animals with their environment. It will focus specifically upon aspects of climate, geology and hydrology that relate to soils and to the life that these subsequently support. The basics of pedology will be presented and will include soil formation, composition and chemistry. A range of biomes will be described including tropical and arctic systems. The concept of seral development will be introduced and it will be shown how this relates to artificial revegetation technology. Methods of statistical ecosystem analysis will be considered.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Sedimentary Petrogenesis and Stratigraphy EA2028
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module focuses on the origins, analysis and uses of sedimentary rocks. The processes of accumulation and lithification are studied, as are techniques of recognising patterns of sediment distribution in time and space (stratigraphy). Students will learn to use this knowledge to interpret sedimentary rocks in terms of sedimentary environments, sea level changes and geological histories.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Coursework
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Physical Processes in Coastal Environments EA2034
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
Physical Processes in Coastal Environments will examine the how today’s coastal settings have arisen over geologic time, the controls on modern changes, and how environmental changes will affect them in the future. We will utilize quantitative techniques in our analysis of various coastal settings and will examine how scientific understanding is used when shaping management strategies of the coastline.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework 40%
Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology EA2035
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology will examine the major controls on how catchments function in the environment. The module will provide a physically based, quantitative understanding of catchment hydrology and geomorphology required for continued academic study in Earth Surface Processes and/or environmental management. The skills sets developed in this module will be immediately transferable to other quantitative modules, dissertations in hydrology and geomorphology, as well as environmental planning and consulting.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Exchange Student Field Course EA2037
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The aim of this 10 credit module based entirely on fieldwork exercises is to train students in the scientific process of creating a geological map and deciphering the geological evolution of a study area from field observations.
Teaching Methods:
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Spring Semester (Level Three)
Environmental Case Studies EA3009
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
A specialist synoptic module for the Environmental Geoscience degree scheme providing an integrative approach to current environmental issues and problems. This is achieved through a series of seminars driven by case studies.
Teaching Methods:
Seminars
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Advanced Sedimentology and Stratigraphy EA3012
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module will advance the student’s understanding of sedimentary processes, products and how these make up clastic and carbonate sedimentary environments. The module aims to develop the student’s critical thinking skills in applying stratigraphic methods to modern and ancient settings using outcrop and subsurface datasets, including hydrocarbon industry boreholes and reflection seismic data. Case-studies will include shallow to deep marine settings where hydrocarbon exploration occurs at present.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Volcanic and Magmatic Processes EA3014
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module covers the fundamental principles and methods used in igneous petrology
through a study of: trace elements; isotopes and geochronology; ocean island basalts; continental flood basalts, oceanic plateaus, komatiites, island arcs, active continental margins, MORB mantle sources and phase diagrams. It will also provide an overview of recent and current research literature.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratory Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
We all live in a hazardous World, where our daily well-being is under constant threat from natural and manmade disasters. Geoenvironmental disasters worldwide such as mudslides, erupting volcanoes, and earthquakes are regular components of the daily news. An increasing awareness of our local and regional environment means that less dramatic issues such re-using brownfield sites and protecting areas of natural beauty or scientific interest are assuming greater importance. Constantly improving technologie s and better scientific understanding has resulted in greatly improved risk assessment, monitoring, mitigation, and disaster planning. However, regardless of all these advances, with most geoenvironmental hazards, it is not the case of 'if' another disaster will occur, but rather 'when'.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module explores the relationships of organismal evolution and planetary environment. It assesses aspects of the early evolution of life and its interaction with the atmosphere and geosphere past and present. Prokaryote and Eukaryote specialisms are examined and the significance of microorganisms is emphasized. The theory of evolution is explored with reference to both living and extinct biotas. Mechanisms of evolution are considered in relation to mass extinctions and extreme environments. Methods of analysis of both past and present biodiversity are considered and conservation of existing biodiversity and of the global environment is assessed. Gaia, creationism and the place of humans within the biosphere will also be explored.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Integrated Coastal Management EA3025
Semester: Spring
Length: One semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The coastal environment, including internal and territorial waters, presents a physical, environmental, socioeconomic challenge to coastal managers. This module provides a broad overview of the development of both the theory and practice Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) drawing on experience, knowledge and understanding from a range of second and final year (first semester) modules. The module provides a critical review of the common institutional arrangements (administrative arrangements, legislation and policy) and approaches for managing coastal areas at a variety of geographical scales. It evaluates the potential and application of a selection of environmental management techniques in furthering the objectives of ICM. Finally, some of the emerging paradigms and approaches, which are being designed to address the particular challenges of the coastal zone, are outlined and evaluated.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Fieldwork
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module will focus on UK and international marine conservation issues. The range of tools available for conservationists will be examined and knowledge and understanding of the fragility of the marine environment and the threats, whether natural or man induced, will be extended. The students will have the opportunity for discussion and debate as areas such as the implications of coral bleaching and environmental impact assessments are considered.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module provides a general introduction to environmental law using case studies as examples.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module will allow students to undertake a short, time limited investigation into a pre-determined aspect of earth sciences. Students will learn how to plan, execute and report their findings, both in written form and orally.
Teaching Methods:
Research Project
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
A synoptic, process-based view of the Solid Earth cycle. The module will take a multidisciplinary approach, using modern examples to examine a variety of geodynamic processes, and then look at these processes in the context of particular case studies.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Spring Semester (Level Four)
Evolution of Antarctica EA4007
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
This module provides an holistic overview of the geological and environmental evolution of the continent of Antarctica using case studies drawn from the palaeoclimatic Antarctic and Southern Ocean research carried out within the School, for example, the growth of Antarctic ice sheets during the Cenozoic and the environment of the Antarctic margin during the past 10,000 years. It will also address the modern environment and human interaction with the continent by looking at the Antarctic Treaty system, SCAR and modern monitoring.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
This module examines the geology and evolution of the planets and moons of the Solar system, and develops an appreciation of how Earth has become a habitable planet.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Advanced Igneous Petrogenesis EA4011
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
This module reviews recent research and cutting edge isotopic systems in igneous petrology, and builds substantially on the work covered in the prerequisite Year 3 Volcanic and Magmatic
Processes module (EA3014). A series of case studies (with allied practical sessions) will provide an overview of recent and current research literature on continental flood basalts, oceanic plateaus, komatiites, island arcs, mantle sources regions, silicic large igneous provinces and the ‘controversy’ over the existence of mantle plumes.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratories
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%