You will learn through lectures, seminars, practical workshops and fieldwork activities. Beyond timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of interactive learning resources accessible on-line via the module eLP site.

Lectures will be used to introduce and develop key issues, concepts and principles across the range of topics covered on the module; in effect they will act as a framework or scaffolding to support your learning. You will then further develop and build your knowledge, understanding and expertise by engaging with on-line, interactive reading lists made available via the module’s electronic learning platform (eLP). You will develop your practical skills through participation in local fieldwork activities and during interactive practical laboratory classes and workshops.

Formative feedback opportunities in seminars and via the on-line resources, will consolidate your learning as well as helping to improve your performance in the module assessments.

During laboratory and IT classes and whilst on fieldwork, you will engage in practical activities, interacting closely with teaching staff. In semester 1, for example, you will gain practical experience in mineral and rock identification and geological map interpretation with staff providing direct formative feedback in support of your learning and skills development. In semester 2, you will work in groups on a case study investigating floodplain contamination linked to historic mining activity in the area, building up to an assessed group report. You will be able to discuss your progress and plans with tutors who will provide formative feedback, enabling you to improve your work and achieve your full potential in the assessment process.

Your class materials will be further supported by on-line resources available via the module eLP site. These resources include an interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles and aligned with your lecture programme. In a similar manner, your practical classes are supported by a ‘virtual learning’ resource to enhance your skills in mineral and rock identification. As part of the module assessment, you will undertake a series of on-line, multiple choice question (MCQ) tests, delivered via the module eLP site. You will be able to access your feedback and marks immediately on completion of each test. Such timely feedback will serve to reinforce your learning and improve your confidence during this relatively early part of your academic career.

Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

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This module focuses on key issues and debates within the Geosciences and the underlying research and evidence underpinning these. Topics explored include: Earth structure, volcanoes and earthquakes, Earth history and deep time, use of geological resources and associated environmental impacts. You will also develop practical skills of rock and mineral identification, geological map interpretation, laboratory analysis of soils and sediments, and data analysis and interpretation. Teaching involves lectures to introduce and develop key issues together with more interactive practical classes and fieldwork activities. Your learning will be further supported and enhanced through engagement with a range of interactive online resources available via the module eLP site. Assessment will involve a series of two online MCQ tests in semester 1 and a practical, project-based group report in semester 2. You will receive formative support and guidance throughout the assessment process enabling you to achieve your full potential.

In this module you will learn about a variety of issues and debates that have shaped current thinking and research in the Geosciences. Following an exploration of the subject of geology, its scope, approaches to investigation and relationships with other relevant subjects, you will focus on a range of more specific topics, including:
• Earth structure and origin.
• Evolution of continents and oceans.
• Volcanoes: characteristics, behaviour and hazard mitigation.
• Earthquakes and impact mitigation.
• Earth history and deep time.
• Geological resources: hydrocarbons, metal ores, water resources, construction materials and geo-engineering.
• Resource utilisation & environmental impact: economics versus the environment.

In addition, you will develop your practical skills and abilities in mineral and rock identification, geological map interpretation, and geochemcial analysis. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of the interaction between physical and human aspects of the environment, thereby demonstrating informed concern about the Earth and its people.

On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, practice and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.