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ESC-10070 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 21 December 2024

ESC-10070 - Minerals and Rocks
Coordinator: Ralf Gertisser Room: WSF32 Tel: +44 1782 7 33181
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

-


Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module develops the understanding of the classification and formation of solid Earth materials by examining these in hand specimen and up close using a petrological microscope. It places emphasis on the development of essential geological skills, including the accurate description of minerals as well as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including their proportions and inter-relationships, as well as the recognition and petrographic and textural description of rocks.

Aims
The module provides an introduction to common rock forming minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and using a petrological microscope. Students develop the ability to describe these geological materials and their properties at a range of scales and reach informed conclusions about their possible identity and origins.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-10070/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks using hand specimens and a petrological microscope: 1,2
describe geological materials and their physical and optical properties at a range of scales and reach informed conclusions about their possible identity and origins: 1,2
evaluate and interpret the underlying concepts of the terminology, nomenclature and classification of minerals and rocks: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours: 60
- Teaching sessions: 18 x 2.5 hours - 45 hours
- Guided independent study: 5 x 2.5 hours - 12.5 hours
- Practical test: 1 x 2.5 hours - 2.5 hours
Independent study and completion of assessment: 90


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Laboratory Practicals weighted 50%
Practical test


2: Report weighted 50%
1,500 word illustrated written report


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 21 December 2024