GEOLOGY AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

GEOLOGY AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

Level 1

GL 1004 - THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH GEOLOGICAL TIME
Credit Points
20
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

Topical issues related to Geology and the Environment (e.g. earthquakes, climatic change, global warming, volcanic activity, evolution & mass extinctions, environmental pollution).
An introduction to the fundamental mechanisms which have controlled environmental change throughout Earth’s history.
The use of geological maps in interpreting the 3 dimensional structure of the Earth.
Interpretation of the fossil record with respect to environmental change. Fossil evidence for climatic change.
Environmental issues associated with decommissioning of hydrocarbon installations.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week; 1 day field work; 5 one-hour tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour examination (60%), 3 mini assessments (40%). Students must pass both components.
Resit: 100% Exam

GL 1503 - THE MATERIALS FORMING OUR DYNAMIC EARTH
Credit Points
20
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course will be strongly recommended for students registered for GL 1004.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course.

Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

An introduction to the three major rock groups; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.
An introduction to the mode of occurrence, and processes of formation, of the three major rock groups.
Identification of the common rock-forming minerals in hand-specimen.
An introduction to systematic crystallography and mineral properties.
The use of the petrological microscope in the identification of the common rock-forming minerals.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week; 5 one-hour tutorials, 1 day fieldwork.

Assessment

Assessment: Examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). One tutorial/field-based assessment (20%);1 two-hour practical class assessment during timetabled practical session in week 44 (40%); 1 one-hour written examination (40%). Students must pass both components.
Resit: 100% Exam

Level 2

GL 2010 - PALAEONTOLOGY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Professor G M Walkden

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 2 or above.

Overview

This introductory course covers the recognition and interpretation of invertebrate fossils and fossil assemblages. It is suitable for all intending physical and biological scientists and provides a broad overview of palaeontology that would also interest non-scientists.


  1. Principles: Preservation and taphonomy; recognising species; systematics
    and evolution; recording and handling data.

  2. Systematic palaeontology: morphology, evolution and palaeoecology of brachiopods,
    bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, graptolites, corals, echinoderms and minor
    groups.

  3. Interpreting fossil assemblages.



Structure

2 lab/lecture sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Assessment by practical course work (40%); 1 two-hour exam paper (50%) and oral presentation (10%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

GL 2012 - LABORATORY & FIELD TECHNIQUES
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 1503. GL 1004 strongly recommended.

Notes

Required for students taking 45 or more credit points in Geology at level 2.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

Fundamentals of the interpretation of Geological maps and the common three-dimensional structures of the earth’s crust (building on GL 1004).
Fundamentals of optical microscopy in the identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks (building on GL 1503),
Interpretation of geological data collected in field conditions by individual observation.
Integration of the above three techniques.

Structure

2 three-hour laboratory sessions per week (lectures or practical classes as necessary; 1 eight day field course).

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour practical examination (55%); continual assessment of field course (35%) and laboratory assignments (10%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: failed elements by examination

GL 2501 - SEDIMENTOLOGY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Professor J Parnell

Pre-requisites

GL 1503

Overview

The first part of the course covers the origins and characteristics of important sedimentary rock types such as sandstones, mudrocks, limestones, cherts and ironstones. Lectures are supported by practical work on rock specimensand on thin sections using the petrological microscope. The second part of the course combines basic knowledge in the interpretation of ancient depositional environments such as deserts, alluvial fans, rivers, deltas, lakes, shorelines, reefs and deep sea fans.

Structure

2 lectures and 2 lab sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Assessment by course work (30%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (70%). Practical exam for borderline candidates only. Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%) - No resit for CA - resit following year.

GL 2508 - MINERALOGY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 1503

Overview

The main objective of this practical course is to learn how to describe and identify the common rock forming minerals using the petrological microscope. The mineral groups will include olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, feldspars, quartz and carbonates together with other minerals of petrogenetic importance. The theoretical background will include a systematic study of the atomic structure, chemical composition and geological occurrence of the rock-forming minerals together with the fundamentals of crystallography, mineral optics and mineral chemistry.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week, 2 two-hour laboratory sessions per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Course work (25%) and 1 two-hour exam paper (75%). Oral exam for borderline candidates only. Students must pass both components.

Resit: Examination (100%).

Level 3

GL 3001 - EARTH STRUCTURE
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL2508, GL2501

Overview

This course is divided into two complementary units:-


  1. A 20 hour lecture unit in Geotectonics. This aims to provide a large scale
    overview of the Lithosphere and the geotectonic structures generated by interactions
    between moving Lithospheric Plates.


  2. A 23 hour practical unit concerned with the common types of structure that
    are produced in rocks that undergo ductile deformation (eg during mountain
    building); a brief introduction to strain analysis utilising practical experiments
    with shear boxes is also included. The course aims to equip students with
    the skills and basic knowledge necessary for the observation, recording, analysis,
    interpretation and presentation of structural data.

Assessment

Assessment: 3 practical course work exercises (20%) and one ninety minute examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

GL 3002 - EARTH HISTORY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL2508, GL2501

Notes

The assessments from all three course components (1-3 below) are combined to give a single overall course assessment. See also GL 3010 for Joint Honours Course.

Overview

This course shows how Earth History integrates other areas of geological science. Parallel and complementary components comprise 20 hours of lectures and 30 hours of practical.

1) Earth History: The analysis and interpretation of the geological record. Lectures (20 hours) cover the factors controlling the development of sedimentary sequences, the methodology used in analysing these, and then focus on a variety of case studies. Independent work to be completed by students includes one written report and a short verbal presentation at a seminar.
Assessment: Coursework (10%) and a one-hour examination (35%).

2)Map Interpretation: Practicals (24 hours) use published geological maps and involve specific tasks and problems to be worked on independently or in groups. This work develops the ability to synthesise the large amounts of geological data on maps into plausible petrological, tectonic and palaeogeographical interpretations. Tutorials review the outcomes.
Assessment: Coursework (10%) and a two-hour examination (35%).

3) Isotope Geology: Two 3 hour workshops on the stratigraphic application of radiogenic isotope geochemistry.
Assessment: Coursework exercises (10%).

Assessment

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

GL 3004 - IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 2012 and GL 2508

Overview

This course integrates the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of igneous and metamorphic rocks with plate tectonic theory. Magma, genesis and metamorphism at divergent and convergent plate margins are studied in detail, along with magmatism in intra-plate settings. Practical manipulation of geochemical and petrographic data is introduced as a tool for discriminating the tectonic affinities of igneous rocks in the geological record, and the importance of magmatism in the development of sedimentary basins is emphasised.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour practical per week.

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour examination, including practical (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). Students must pass both components.

Resit:Failed elements by examination.

GL 3010 - EARTH HISTORY AND MAPPING
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL2508, GL2501

Notes

This course is available only to joint Honours students with Geography, and comprises either the Earth History or the Map Interpretation components of GL 3002.

Overview

Assessment: 1 one-hour (Earth History) or 1 two-hour (Mapping) examination.

Assessment

Resit: Examination (100%).

GL 3017 - FIELD TECHNIQUES 1 (HELMSDALE)
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Professor A J Hartley

Pre-requisites

GL2012, GL2508, GL2501

Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

This field course is based in Helmsdale during September/October. The course provides training in field techniques, data recording and interpretation. Experience is gained in mapping and logging sedimentary sequences. Field recording and interpretation includes structural data, current directions, construction of cross sections, reconstruction of palaeoenvironments, and field palaeontology.

NB: This course is mandatory for joint honours students with Geography and Physics.

Structure

9 day field course, with 3 hours of follow-up tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework: Field assignments and data manipulation (100%).

Resit: Whole course

GL 3018 - PRINCIPLES OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr J E Neilson

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL2501, GL2508

Overview

This course introduces students to the geological processes which result in the accumulation of oil and natural gas in rock reservoirs. Ideas about the origin of petroleum are discussed as are the fundamental processes of organic deposition, thermal maturation, migration of fluids and the formation of traps for reservoired petroleum. Exploration strategies and the role of the geologist are discussed. Comprehensive practical introductions are given to techniques for remotely determining rock properties including wireline logging and geophysical (seismic, gravity and aeromagnetic) surveys. Most topics form the background for 4th year advanced courses.

Structure

10 three-hour sessions of lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: 1 ninety minute written examination paper (75%); in-course assessment (25%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Failed elements by examination.

GL 3019 - SKILLS FOR GEOLOGISTS
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 1503

Notes

only available at level 3 to intending graduates in Geoscience, Geology-Petroleum Geology, Geology with Physics, Physics with Geology and Geography-Geoscience programmes.

Overview

i) General key skills and the maintenance of a personal development file

ii) communications skills with an emphasis on oral presentation to a specialist or nonspecialist audience

iii) IT skills including subject specific searching of library-based resources.

Structure

3 one hour lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

Assessment: Continuous assessment (100%).

Resit: Examination (100%).

GL 3020 - PETROLEUM GEOLOGY DISSERTATION
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr A J Hartley

Pre-requisites

Admission to the Honours Programme in Geology-Petroleum Geology.

Notes

Cannot be taken with GL 3018.

Overview

Dissertation not exceeding 5000 words based upon an original investigation into petroleum producing basin.

Structure

5 one-hour tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: Dissertation (100%).

GL 30MO - OIL INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
To be advised

Pre-requisites

Entrance to the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Notes

This course is only available to students in programme year 3 of the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

The course will include:

North Sea petroleum geology - field trip

Overview and structure of the oil & gas industry

North Sea technology overview

Business skills needed to succeed in the oil & gas industry

Presentation skills

Introduction to new technologies

Structure

1 three-day field trip with field-based lectures (21 hours); 5 laboratory-based days with keynote lectures (15 hours); practical assignments or guided study (12 hours); 1-2 individual tutorials (2 hours).

Assessment

Assessment: 1 two-hour examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination with CA mark carried forward.

GL 3508 - PROJECT/DISSERTATION
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 2012, GL2501

Notes

The course is intended to develop compilation and investigative skills for Designated degree students in their final year.

Overview

Assessment: A dissertation not exceeding 5,000 words based upon an original geological investigation or a literature review.

Assessment

Resit: Whole course.

GL 3512 - FIELD TECHNIQUES 2 (BALLACHULISH)
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr A. Crane

Pre-requisites

GL 3001 Earth Structure, GL 3002 Earth History, GL 3017 Field Techniques 1 (Helmsdale).

Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

The course comprises 10 days of field work undertaken during the Easter vacation. It consists of 6 days of advanced field observation, mapping, data recording and analysis and 4 days analysis of the structural and petrological characteristics of Caledonian granitoids and their country rock hosts. Maps, records of field observations, field syntheses and interpretations are produced and developed during the course.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (80%) and one 2000 word pre-field course essay assignment (20%). Students must pass both components.

Resit: Whole course

Level 4

GL 4015 - GEOLOGICAL MAP PROJECT
Credit Points
25
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

Completion of an approved Junior Honours programme in Geology and/or Petroleum Geology or Geoscience, at a standard considered adequate by the Head of Discipline in Geology.

Co-requisites

GL409A Advanced Mapping Techniques

Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

Students on this course complete 28 days of independent fieldwork in an area of their choice during the summer vacation that precedes their Senior Honours year of study. The aim is to produce a 1:10,000 scale geological map (or approved alternative) and 5,000 word report on the geology of the area selected. The student’s choice of area is normally finalised during the 2nd half-session of level 3 after discussions with their Mapping Adviser and the School’s Safety Officer. Areas can be selected anywhere in Britain or abroad, subject only to acceptability from geological, logistical and safety standpoints.

Assessment

Assessment: Field maps and note books, clean copy maps and the 5,000 word report (100%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 409A - ADVANCED MAPPING TECHNIQUES
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

Only available to intending Honours Geology Petroleum Geology, Geoscience, Geography-Geoscience and Physics with Geology students.

Notes

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

This course aims to build upon the mapping techniques learned in GL 3017 and GL 3512. It involves three days of field work in the Aberdeen area in June of level 3 academic year.
1)field characteristics of volcaniclastic rocks
2) detailed structural mapping techniques and problem solving
3) advanced data gathering and field interpretation of deformed sedimentary sucessions.

Assessment

Assessment: Continous assessment based on field observations and synthesised data from three localities (100%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.

GL 409M - TECHNIQUES IN MINERALOGY
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 2508 Mineralogy

Overview

Reflected light microscopy, elecron microbeam analysis (SEM+Edax, Microprobe), CL, X-ray diffraction. These techniques will be taught in the context of an integrated study of sedimentary igneous and metamorphic ore deposits.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 14 hrs practical.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (20%) and one two-hour examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 409P - TECHNIQUES IN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Professor A Hurst

Pre-requisites

GL 3018 Principles of Petroleum Geology.

Overview

Chemical and thermal tools in understanding and characterising petroleum sources, generation, accumulation and degradation.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 10 hours practical.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (40%) and a two-hour examination (60%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 409S - TECHNIQUES IN SEDIMENTARY BASINS
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Professor J Parnell

Pre-requisites

GL 3002 Earth History.

Overview

Theory and application of advanced research techniques in sedimentary basins and their hinterlands.

Structure

9 hours lectures and 14 hours practicals.

Assessment

Assessment: Essay (20%): One diagrammatic Presentation (20%) and a two-hour examination (60%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 40ME - ENGINEERING FROM BOREHOLE TO SURFACE
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr D Jolley

Pre-requisites

GL 30MO

Notes

This course is only available to students registered for the BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

This course will include:

Reservoir Engineering

Well Engineering

Facilities Engineering

Structure

15 two-hour lectures in the morning; 14 practicals, tutorials or guided assessments in the afternoon.

Assessment

1 three-hour examination (70%);continuous assessment (30%). This exam will be set specifically for the UG cohort. The weighting between exam and continuous assessment is different from the PG course. The continuous assessment exercise will be set differently for the UG cohort and will be marked with a lower expectation level of critical evaluations and comprehensive knowledge.

GL 40MG - GEOSCIENCE IN EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr D Jolley

Pre-requisites

GL 30MO

Notes

Only available to students in programme year 4 of the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Oil & Gas Studies.

Overview

The course will include:

Geophysics in exploration and production

Geology in exploration and production

Prospect evaluation.

Structure

15 two-hour lectures in the morning. 12 two to three-hour projects, tutorials or assessments in the afternoon.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%). This exam will be set specifically for the UG cohort. The weighting between exam and continuous assessment is different from the PG course. The continuous assessment exercise will be set differently for the UG cohort and will be marked with a lower expectation level of critical evaluation and comprehensive knowledge.

GL 4515 - GEOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECT
Credit Points
25
Course Coordinator
Dr A Crane

Pre-requisites

Completion of an approved Junior Honours programme in Geology and/or Petroleum Geology, or Geoscience, at a standard considered adequate by the Head of Discipline in Geology.

Overview

Students complete an independent laboratory investigation, based on geological materials. Each student prepares a short description of their proposed investigation for approval by their project adviser. Students are encouraged to gain “hands-on” experience of some of the Department’s specialist research analytical instruments; they are also required to prepare a 5,000 word report and give a 15 minute oral presentation describing their projects.

Assessment

Assessment: Bed on the submitted 5,000 word report. Laboratory-based investigation.
Assessment based on project reports (100%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 4516 - FIELD INTERPRETATION
Credit Points
12.5
Course Coordinator
Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 3017 Field Techniques 1.

Notes

This course is only for students taking a joint degree.
Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

This field based course covers synthesis and geological modelling and comprises (1) an 8 day field course in North West Scotland or Northern England and (2) a short report and oral presentation on an assigned regional study.

Structure

Field courses.

Assessment

Assessment: Based on field work reports (100%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 4517 - FIELD SYNTHESIS
Credit Points
25
Course Coordinator
Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL 3017 and GL 3512, Field Techniques 1 and 2.

Notes

This course is compulsory for those taking Honours Geology and Petroleum Geology or Honours Geoscience.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of this course. Fieldwork may involve crossing rough terrain, including steep gradients, rocky areas and along cliffs, and may take place during inclement weather. Any student with concerns about this, who feels adjustments or additional support may be required, should contact the University's Disability Adviser or the Department Disability Co-ordinator as early as possible. The Department is committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree programme.

Overview

This field-based course covers synthesis and geological modelling and comprises (a) an 8 day field course in North West Scotland or Northern England, (b) a programme of one day field courses and (c) an in depth regional study with written report and oral presentation.

Structure

Field courses.

Assessment

Assessment: Based on Field work reports (100%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459B - BASIN ANALYSIS
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Professor P Clift

Pre-requisites

GL3001, GL3002, GL3017

Overview

The formation, filling and deformation of sedimentary basins in an Earth systems context. The course examines the mechanical properties of the lithosphere and how this is deformed to generate sedimentary basins. Students learn how to derive quantitative information on subsidence and thermal evolution from sedimentary data and become acquainted with the methods by which basins are imaged and analysed. The emphasis is on using geological information to quantify earth processes. The course provides an introduction to sequence stratigraphic methods and an overview of how erosion affects sedimentary basin formation and fill. Regular short exams in class are not assessed but allow students to see for themselves whether they are keeping up with what is expected or not.

Structure

8 three-hour lecture/practicals.

Assessment

Assessment: One A4 poster (50%) and a two-hour examination (50%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459E - EVOLUTION
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Professor G M Walkden

Pre-requisites

GL 2010 Palaeontology.

Overview

Origin of life, evolutionary mechanisms, extinction, major turning points in vertebrate evolution.

Structure

8 two-hour seminars.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (50%) and a two-hour examination (50%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459G - GEOPHYSICS
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr A Schwab

Pre-requisites

GL 3018 Principles of Petroleum Geology.

Overview

Basics on reflection seismic acquisition, processing, interpretation and resolution, as used in the petroleum industry. Practical experience in seismic interpretation.

Structure

5 three-hour seminars, 6 hours computer- based practicals and one interpretation exercise.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 computer based practicals: iseismic interpretation practical (40%) and a two-hour examination (60%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459H - HYDROGEOLOGY
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
To be advised

Pre-requisites

GL 2501 Sedimentology.

Overview

Groundwater - its occurrence, flow, exploitation, vulnerability and protection.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 12 hours practical/tutorial.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (20%) and a two-hour examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459O - ORE GEOLOGY
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr C M Rice

Pre-requisites

GL2508 Mineralogy.

Overview

Essential characteristics of sedimentary, hydrothermal and magmatic metalliferous (ore) deposits and their genesis.

Structure

15 hours lectures and 2 hours practical, 1 field trip.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (20%) and a two-hour examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459P - PETROLEUM SEDIMENTOLOGY
Credit Points
Course Coordinator
Professor A J Hartley and Dr C P North

Pre-requisites

GL 459S Sedimentary Evironments, GL 3018 Principles of Petroleum Geology, GL 2501 Sedimentology.

Overview

Detailed case histories to demonstrate the relevance of sedimentology for understanding petroleum systems, from both exploration and production viewpoints.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 10 hours practical and additional self-study.

Assessment

Assessment: Course work (30%) and a two-hour examination (70%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459R - BULK RESOURCES
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
To be advised

Pre-requisites

GL 2501 Sedimentology.

Overview

Exploration, exploitation and environmental issues associated with the extraction of bulk resources.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 12 hours practical/tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (20%) and a two-hour examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459S - SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Professor A J Hartley and Dr C P North

Pre-requisites

GL 2501 Sedimentology.

Overview

Examination of present day depositional processes and environments as a means for interpreting the sedimentary rock record.

Structure

10 hours lectures and 10 hours practical and additional self-study.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (30%) and a two-hour examination (70%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.

GL 459V - VOLCANOLOGY
Credit Points
7.5
Course Coordinator
Dr M J Hole

Pre-requisites

GL 1503. Cannot be taken with GG 4526, GG 3541

Co-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 3 or above.

Overview

Essential characteristics of volcaniclastic rocks and their genesis, and overview of environmental hazards caused by volcanic activity.

Structure

10 hours lectures, plus tutorials as required.

Assessment

Assessment: Coursework (20%); Examination (80%). Students must pass both components.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment.