Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO SEDIMENTARY ROCKS AND FOSSILS
Code ENVS118
Coordinator Dr CH Jeffery
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Chj@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

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.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) 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) 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 processes and, to a lesser extent, environment.

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

(LO4) 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 - practical work aimed at development of logical interpretation

(S2) Collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the laboratory

(S3) Commercial awareness - lecture and practical course content covering economic applications of sedimentology and palaeontology

(S4) Communicating appropriately in written and graphical forms

(S5) Analysing, synthesising and summarising information.

(S6) Applying knowledge and understanding


Syllabus

 

Sedimentology part of course covers:
Origins of clastic grains
Fluid flow, transport mechanisms, basic fluid dynamics
Sedimentary structures
Carbonate grains and carbonate rocks
Diagenetic processes and environments
Clay minerals and mudrocks

Palaeontology part of course covers:
Fossil preservation
Uses of fossils - palaeoenvironmental analysis, biostratigraphy and evolutionary studies
Morphology and evolutionary history of the following common fossil groups: arthropods, brachiopods, corals, echinoderms, graptolites, molluscs, plant fossils and trace fossils


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Asynchronous Prerecorded Online Lectures
Description: the main module topics will be introduced in short prerecorded lectures.

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous Q & A / Surgery Online Sessions
Description: students will be able to ask questions to solidify understanding.

Teaching Method 3 - 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. Practical sessions will be run using a combination of face-to-face and online sessions.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will need to complete work based on the practical sessions outside of the timetabled slots.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       22

  20

15

57
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 93
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written examination - choice of essays on sedimentological and palaeontological topics plus interpretation of a graphic log. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  90 minutes.    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Practical sedimentology class test (40 minutes) with additional worksheet to complete. There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  40 minutes    25       
Practical palaeontology class test with additional worksheet to complete. There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When); 1.  40 minutes    25       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.