Geological Resources

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
This module explores key types of geological resources including metals and non-metals, radioactive materials, oil, gas and groundwater. The geological and geographical origin of these resources will be considered. In addition their economic and strategic importance will be briefly considered.

Aims:
This module aims to:
1. Describe the geological origins of a select range of resources of geological origin. These include key resources derived from sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks as well as hydrothermal settings.
2. Provide students with practical skills to identify and distinguish between key specimens and the Earth processes that formed them.
3. Consider the wider economic and strategic importance of some geological resources.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the geological origins of a variety of key resources
2. Identify key specimens in hand specimen
3. Evaluate the economic and strategic importance of some key resources of geological origin.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have opportunities to work in small groups and gain practical experience in the laboratory.

Outline content:
Content includes
The geological context and origins of
1. Selected non-metal resources, for example, sands and gravels, limestone, gypsum, clays and salt
2. Metal resources including iron, copper, zinc and selected critical metals
3. Radioactive materials
4. Oil and gas resources
5. Groundwater
Practical identification skills of key specimens, and the measurement of key properties of other resources such as porosity of sandstone aquifers.
Evaluation of the economic and strategic importance of select key resources.

Global context:
The nature of resources of geological origin means that examples will be drawn from around the globe.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will include a one-hour lecture/seminar each week and a two hour practical.

Contact hours:
Lectures 10
Practicals classes and workshops 20
Total hours by term 30

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 50
Written assignment including essay 25
Practical skills assessment 25

Other information on summative assessment:
A practical laboratory test will form 25% of the module marks.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback on laboratory and specimen identification skills will be provided through the term - both orally and in the form of short formative exercises.

Length of examination:
1.5 hours

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework as well as a practical test and theory examination.