University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available to General Degree students with the permission of the Honours Adviser

Planned timetable: Lecture - Thursday, Practical - Wednesday

This module is based around current hot topics in Earth science research. It will introduce cutting-edge science questions about how our planet has evolved from a ball of molten rock to the habitable blue planet it is today, and some of the major changes in its chemistry, biosphere, and climate that have happened along the way. Topics will vary from year to year, depending on staff participating in the module and the advances in Earth science research. This module is research-led, requiring that you read, digest, and discuss a number of topical papers each week. For some of these topics there is no given answer; instead you gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of research. Topics are introduced in lectures and then discussion seminars, organised around student presentations, are designed to encourage debate and critique of the arguments presented in the research papers.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Undergraduate Students SHOULD PASS ES2001 AND (PASS ES2002 OR PASS ES2003)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 8 hours of lectures and 24 hours of seminars over the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 30

Guided independent study hours: 120

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Practical Examination (Oral Presentations) = 60%, Written Examination = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 60%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr J W B Rae
Module teaching staff: Dr James Rae
Module coordinator email jwbr@st-andrews.ac.uk