Understanding the fundamentals of earth and environmental data science;
Familiarisation with basic computer programming;
Understanding of and ability to analyse various geoscience datasets.

(LO1) Knowledge of, and familiarity in, computer programming

(LO2) Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of geoscience theory and its applications through computer programming

(LO3) Be able to analyse, and apply theory and methods to data, through the development of computer code

(S1) Computer programming and IT literacy

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving

(S3) Time and project management

(S4) Written communication and presentation

(S5) Numeracy

This module is an introduction to computer coding as a numerical analysis tool through the coding of geoscience theory and methods. Students will develop skills in computer programming by learning about Earth systems theory, with examples including earthquakes and volcanoes; Earth structure and dynamics; and environmental pollutants.

This module is delivered through two styles of learning method: (1) interactive lectures and (2) practical coding workshops. Interactive lectures are designed to lead students through the syllabus, covering Earth and environmental data, and computer science topics. Students will learn to code and interact with data through the interactive lectures, following the course leader on their computers. Practical workshops, involving problem sets, data visualisation, or data analysis, will then reinforce the learning undertaken in the interactive lectures. The practical sessions are used formatively, building up student’s confidence and skills, and leading the students to undertake summative assessment in terms of and Earth or environmental data challenges.