To produce a professional geological or environmental map. The course is based around a geological mapping exercise focused towards solving a geological or environmental problem.
Coordinator: Dr. Tom Mitchell
- Module details
Title Geological and Environmental Mapping UG Code GEOL0023 Coordinator Dr. Tom Mitchell Other Contributors Prof. Tim Atkinson Term 1 Credit 30 credits Written Exam Coursework 100% coursework, consisting of:
- Field slips (maps) - 20%
- Field notebooks - 20%
- Report (6000 words max) 25%
- Fair copy / final map as a poster (totalling 35%), consisting of: Map (20%), Cross section (10%), Strat log (5%)
Pre-Requisites GEOL0015 - Maps Images and Structures Maths & Stats Content and Requirement Total Number of Hours of Student Work 375 hours (of which approximately 200 hours is fieldwork) Hours of Lectures/Seminars 4 hour lectures Hours of Practicals/Problem Classes 20 hours Hours of Tutorials 0 Days of Fieldwork 28 days fieldwork: currently taken as a continuous 4 week block in the summer after year 2 Other Computation skills training in IT using software for digital mapping in Term 1 - Content
The course will provide students with training in geological mapping techniques at different scales, including:
- the recognition of rocks, minerals, fossils, structures and age indicators in outcrop.
- position and location including grid references, GPS, topographic features, air photographs and survey maps and how to record field observations and measurements.
The main objective is to prepare both a professional map in the laboratory and accompanying written report, in either a geological or an environmental theme, depending on the degree programme the student is following.
- The geological map will be based on field slips including cross sections and interpretation of stratigraphy and structures.
- The environmental map will include additional environmental data and interpretations.
AIMS
To produce a professional geological or environmental map. The course is based around a geological mapping exercise focused towards solving a geological or environmental problem.
OUTCOMES
- the ability to apply classroom, laboratory and field teaching to identify rocks, minerals, fossils, geological structures and age indicators in an unknown area;
- the collection and documentation of qualitative and quantitative geological information in the field;
- and/or synthesis of data to prepare a geological map and a geological account including structural and stratigraphic interpretation of the mapped area in a report
- and/or synthesis of additional information to prepare an environmental map and report
- and/or interpretation of a planetary surface image through preparation of a geological map and report