Provide a broad, holistic introduction to the geosciences, emphasising the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, and being accessible for non-geoscience disciplines;
Equip students to understand the relevance of the more detailed geoscience material following in the rest of their programmes;
Begin to equip students with key practical skills across a range of geoscience disciplines;
Begin to expose students to an indicative range of research expertise in the School of Environmental Sciences;
Develop skills for learning by group interaction and guided research.

(LO1) Explain current models for the origin and structure of the Earth, and summarise supporting evidence

(LO2) Explain, with examples, the nature of most common Earth materials, with basic knowledge of why they are important

(LO3) List processes that are modifying the Earth and it's biosphere, including human processes

(LO4) Define the time and spatial scales involved in the Earth structure and evolution

(LO5) Relate the 3D structure and evolution of regions of the Earth's crust using typical geological media such as geological maps and cross sections

(LO6) Introduce the problem of a sustainable biosphere for a rapidly growing human population and the role the geoscience has in defining and tackling this problem

(S1) Communication, listening and questioning respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, influencing, presentations

(S2) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

(S3) Numeracy (application of) manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts (e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating and applying formulae)

(S4) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S5) Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others

Content will cover topics such as:
The Earth's origin and place in the solar system;
Introduction to Earth Structure and Earth materials;
Description and interpretation of rocks in hand specimen and thin section;
Faults, earthquakes and global seismology;
Gravity and isostasy;
Geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism;
Plate tectonics: construction and destruction of the lithosphere;
Melting Earth material, how magma moves, erupts and crysallises;
Source-to-sink sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic layering;
Evolution of the biosphere and the fossil record;
How rocks get changed: diagenesis, metamorphism and deformation;
Energy and mineral resources;
Sustainability;
Natural hazards;
Geosciences and the future of humans on Earth

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture presentations but with group discussion during lectures
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 20

Teaching Method 2 - Practical
Description: Lab-based activities
Attendance Recorded: Yes