The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks and to introduce the main groups of common fossil.

The module aims to cover the basic language used to describe sediments and fossils and gives an introduction to a range of physical, chemical and biological concepts.

The students are introduced to the economic significance of sediments and sedimentary rocks and how fossils provide information on geological time, evolutionary history and ancient environments.

(LO1) 1. On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to describe sediments and sedimentary rocks at outcrop, hand specimen and thin section scales, identifying and naming key structures and fabrics.

(LO2) 2. On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between process and product for both depositional and diagenetic features and be able to discuss the utility of sedimentary rocks to determine processs and, to a lesser extent, environment.

(LO3) 3. On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to describe, name and identify and interpret the main features of common fossils.

(LO4) 4. On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how organisms are preserved as fossils, and of the utility of fossils to identify ancient modes of life, environments and relative ages of rocks.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Communication skills

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Lifelong learning skills

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: the main module topics will be introduced in lectures - some lectures will have breaks for short tests, discussion, or for working through examples in class
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: practical sessions are designed to run alongside the lectures and systematically build knowledge and understanding. The practical sessions are a mixture of paper-based exercises and more hands-on activities.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will need to complete the practicals in their own time and complete assignments based on their practical work.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 20

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: 1/2 day fieldwork on local exposures provides a basic introduction to the study of sedimentary rocks in the field.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unschedul ed Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): Students will need to make their own way to/ from the field location.