ESC-20037 - Geoscience and Society
Coordinator: Ian Stimpson Room: WSF01 Tel: +44 1782 7 33182
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

-

Barred Combinations

-

Description for 2022/23

The "Geoscience and Society" module develops an awareness of the essential contributions of geoscience to the economic, environmental and cultural needs of Society. It contains four main sections:
"Georesources and Society" investigates the sustainability of energy and mineral resources (oil, gas, coal, geothermal; platinum, copper, gold, etc.) and other associated issues (radioactive waste disposal, CO2 sequestration, 'fracking').
"Geohazards and Society" studies the human impact of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and subsidence.
"Geoscience and Health" examines topics such as asbestos, heavy metals and radon and diseases related to geology.
"Geodiversity and Geoconservation" examines the designation and maintenance of sites important to geoscience (World Heritage, Geoparks, SSSIs, RIGS), together with their place in planning and public understanding of geoscience.

Aims
Develop an awareness of the essential contributions of geoscience to the economic, environmental and cultural needs of society.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20037/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate, communicate effectively and apply awareness of geoscience challenges in resource exploration and exploitation, geohazards, geodiversity management, and their impact on society: 1,2,3
communicate effectively and apply awareness of the contribution of geoscience towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
: 3
assess and communicate effectively geoheritage condition status and develop geoconservation management plans: 2

Study hours

Lectures / Workshops 50 hours
Virtual Fieldwork 8 hours
Private study 92 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 20%
5 minute presentation
Submission of Sway file link and five minute audio file on geological resources.

2: Portfolio weighted 40%
Poster for geoconservation site; geoheritage site documentation
Geoheritage site condition monitoring and management plan proforma completion; site display board poster (2000 words equivalent combined).

3: Report weighted 40%
Geoscience and Society Report
Report on the importance of geoscience on one (or more) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2000 words)