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The University of Edinburgh
School of GeoSciences
BSc Environmental Geoscience
Year 4 – Senior-Honours
2016/17 Course Information
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Environmental Geoscience Year 4 Courses ............................................................................................ 5
Your course choices ................................................................................................................................ 5
Course summary ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Key Dates ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Compulsory Course Information ............................................................................................................. 7
EASC10009 Environmental Geosciences Projects ......................................................................... 7
EASC10048 Applied Environmental Geochemistry ........................................................................ 9
EASC10050 Global Environmental Change .................................................................................. 11
Note to PT’s: This is a compulsory course for Environmental Geosciences degree. Other students
can take this course as an option by enrolling in EASC10022 Topics in Global Environmental
Change
EASC10049 Environmental Problems and Issues ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
EASC10086 Environmental Geoscience 4th Year Field Course .................................................... 13
Optional Course Information ............................................................................................................ 16
EASC10077 Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport . Error! Bookmark
not defined.
EASC10015 Hydrocarbon Reservoir Quality.……………………………………………………………………………18
EASC10084 Earth Surface Processes ……………………………………………………………………………………….19
EASC10037 Current Issues in Ecology and Environmental Science…………………………………………..21
EASC10100 Topics in Palaeobiology and Evolution.…………………………………………………………………23
PGGE11067 Principles of Geographical Information Science (Block1) ......................................... 26
PGGE11172 Environmental Geochemistry ................................................................................... 26
PGGE11053 Fundamentals for Remote Sensing ........................................................................... 26
Degree Programme Tables ................................................................................................................... 27
Environmental Geociences (BSc Hons) (UTENVGE) .......................................................................... 27
Additional information .......................................................................................................................... 29
Useful links ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Introduction
This handbook describes the courses taught in the fourth year of the BSc in Environmental Geoscience
programme. This handbook also includes details of timetables for each course, the number of credits you are
expected to achieve in year 4 of your degree programme and details of learning outcomes for each course.
The details contained in the handbook are correct at the time of publishing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Environmental Geoscience 4 (EG4) is designed to build on previous years’ material presented in the pre-
honours course of Oceanography and Evolution of the Living Earth, the 3rd Year Quaternary Environmental
Change, Aquatic Processes, and Environmental Techniques and Applications, Hydrogeology I, Environmental
Pollution and during fieldtrips to Jamaica and Oban.
The EG4 programme will be delivered through a combination of lectures, fieldwork and independent and
group research projects. A number of the courses will incorporate student literature searches, seminars, group
discussions, and essays. Together with the research project reports, these are intended to provide practical
experience in collecting, synthesising and interpreting environmental data, in critical assessment of
information, and in written or oral presentation of the results.
The objectives of the course are to:
1. Develop a theoretical understanding of fundamental geophysical, geochemical, geological and
biological processes that control the nature of the Earth’s surface and near-surface environments and
the fates of natural and contaminant materials.
2. Develop an understanding of the ways in which the natural and anthropogenic processes interact
within different environments.
3. Develop familiarity and practical experience with field and laboratory techniques that may be used to
examine the surface and near surface geosphere.
4. Develop experience in the design and execution of independent scientific research projects, from the
planning stage through field sampling, laboratory analysis and data processing and interpretation.
5. Develop experience in drawing together different types of information in addressing environmental
questions.
6. Develop an appreciation of the context and role of the geosciences within the broader field of
environmental science, and, in particular, to gain sufficient appreciation of the ‘big picture’ so as to be
able to communicate and work effectively with environmental scientists from a wide range of
disciplines.
7. Develop skills and knowledge base required to practice Environmental Geosciences as a profession
through compulsory and option courses.
8. Develop time and personal management skills. Learning to multi-task and meet deadlines are integral
parts of the degree.
9. Develop generic skills such as group study, data analysis and interpretation, literature research,
scientific reporting, and oral and visual communication.
ASSESSMENT:
The honours degree final mark is based on a 50% contribution from EG3 (based on your final mark for EG3)
and a 50% contribution from EG4. The EG4 consists of 80 units of core courses and 40 units of optional
courses. The EG4 core course is assessed by a mixture of fieldtrip and project reports, seminars, essays/reports
executed during the year and by exams in May. In addition, the option courses will have their own assessment
format.
Further details of the style and content of all exams will be provided during the year.
[NOTE: Appeals against examination results on the basis of illness can only be considered if the relevant
medical certificate is received before the meeting of the Board of Examiners].
Should you have questions and/or problems with a specific course, you should contact the course organiser in
the first instance. Any more general questions on the course, exams, projects etc, should be directed to the
relevant Course Secretary, Sarah Thomas ([email protected]), or to the EG4 Course Co-ordinator, who is
Dr. Bryne Ngwenya ([email protected]).
Dr Bryne Ngwenya ([email protected])
Degree Programme Convenor
Environmental Geoscience
Environmental Geoscience Year 4 Courses
The courses are described starting with core courses first followed by optional courses. Please note that
although some of the option courses may have a 20-point version as well, it is strictly forbidden for EG4
students to register on 20 point courses. Some of the courses have a significant element of class work and
reports for which time management skills will need to be developed.
Your course choices
Students in the fourth year of Environmental Geoscience must take 80 credits of compulsory courses with 40
credits of supplementary option courses. This is necessary to ensure that you gain maximum skills set to
operate as an Environmental Geoscientist while also exposing you to a wide range of theoretical underpinning
All courses in the fourth year are worth 10 credits with the exception of the 40-credit Environmental
Geosciences Project. The dissertation is of significant importance therefore and the highlight of your degree;
hence we recommend that in choosing your options, you opt for no more than 20 points in semester 1 to
maximise time for your dissertation. One of the 10 credit courses in semester 1 is the week-long residential
Oban field trip for which you will have already submitted a report in Week 1 of Semester 1. Hence apart from
your option courses, your exam burden is somewhat reduced in semester 1. Significantly, two of the core
courses taught in semester 1 are examined in May and we suggest that you keep on top of this material by
reading the appropriate literature during the courses and updating your notes. You will find this very useful
when you come to revise for the exam in Semester 2.
Course summary
The table below contains brief details of each course in the BSc Environmental Geoscience Year 4 degree
programme table. Further details of each course are found later in this guide.
BSc Environmental Geosciences Compulsory courses
Course Code
Course Title Course Organiser Course Secretary
Period Credits
EASC10009 Environmental Geosciences Projects Dr Simon Jung Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sem 1 40
EASC10048 Applied Environmental Geochemistry Dr Greg Cowie Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sem 1 10
EASC10050 Global Environmental Change Prof Dick Kroon Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sem 2 10
EASC10049 Environmental Problems and Issues Dr Greg Cowie Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sem 1 10
EASC10086 Environmental Geoscience 4th Year Field Course
Dr Greg Cowie Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sem 1 10
Contact details for Course Organisers and Course Secretaries are included in the detailed descriptions of each
course, found later in this guide.
BSc Environmental Geosciences Optional courses
Course Code
Course Title Course Organiser Course Secretary
Period Credits
EASC10077 Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport
Dr Chris McDermott
Ms Sarah Thomas
Sem 2 10
EASC10015 Hydrocarbon Reservoir Quality Dr Stuart Haszeldine
Ms Sarah Thomas
Sem 2 10
PGGE11067 Principles of Geographical Information Science (Block1)
Dr William Mackaness
Ms Karolina Galera
Sem 1 10
EASC10084
Earth Surface Processes Dr Bryne Ngwenya
Miss Sarah Thomas
Sem 2 10
PGGE11172 Environmental Geochemistry Dr Margaret Graham
Miss Susie Crocker
Sem 1 10
PGGE11053 Fundamentals for Remote Sensing Dr Noel Gourmelen
Ms Karolina Galera
Sem 1 10
EASC10100 Topics in Palaeobiology and Evolution Prof Rachel Wood
Ms Sarah Thomas
Sem 2 10
ECSC10037 Current Issues in Ecology Dr Caroline Nichol
Miss Christine Lee
Sem 2 10
Key Dates
The table below details key University and School dates throughout the 2016/17 academic year. These dates
are correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
2016
10th – 18th September Welcome Week (http://www.ed.ac.uk/students/new-students/events)
14th September Welcome talk (11:45 – 12:30)
TBC Careers Presentation (10.30 – 11.00)
19th September Start of Teaching Block 1
TBC Student Staff Liaison Committee meeting
21st October End of Teaching Block 1
24th October Start of Teaching Block 2
TBC Winter Exam diet timetable published
23rd November Graduations start
TBC Student Staff Liaison Committee meeting
28th November School of GeoSciences graduation ceremony
29th November Graduations end
2nd December End of Teaching Block 2
5th – 7th December Revision
8th December Examinations start
21st December End of Semester 1/End of Examinations
22nd December Winter Teaching Vacation starts
2017
13th January Winter Teaching Vacation ends
16th January Start of Teaching Block 3
TBC Student Staff Liaison Committee meeting
17th February End of Teaching Block 3
TBC Innovative Learning Week
27th February Start of Teaching Block 4
TBC Spring Exam diet timetable published
TBC Student Staff Liaison Committee meeting
7th April End of Teaching Block 4
10th April Spring Teaching Vacation starts
21st April Spring Teaching Vacation ends
24th-28th April Revision week
1st May Examinations start
26th May End of Semester 2/End of Examinations
29th May Summer Teaching Vacation starts
TBC Environmental Geoscience 4th year Field Course field trip (Oban)
TBC Graduations start
TBC School of GeoSciences graduation ceremony
TBC End of Graduations
Course submission deadlines can be viewed on the Teaching Organisation Deadline Diary at
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-organisation/to-overview
Compulsory Course Information
EASC10009 Environmental Geosciences Projects Course Organiser:
Simon Jung Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 40 SCQF Level: 10
Course description This course has two components: (i) a research project carried out over 4 weeks during the summer vacation and continuing into Semester 1, supported by a literature review submitted in Week 1 of Semester 1 in year 4; and (ii) an oral exam based on an important topic related to Environmental Geoscience. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10009_SS1_SEM1 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10009.htm Learning Outcomes
- The different parts of this course have differing intended learning outcomes. The literature review is designed to make students develop a detailed, critical, up to date understanding of a specific area of environmental geosciences related to their research project.
- The main learning outcome of the summer project is to enable students to exercise professional level autonomy and initiative whilst implementing independent sampling and/or analytical research plans to address a specific environmental research question.
- Students are expected to offer professional level insights and identify the relevant outcomes of their project.
Opportunities for feedback Feedback will be provided on three seminars illustrating the progress of the research project. These presentations will be given in term 1 (2 presentations) and term 2 (during ILW). Feedback will also be provided on the literature review, during the duration of the research project (by the supervisor) and along with the assessment of the dissertation itself. Assessment details Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%. The final mark of the Environmental Geosciences project consist of three components: a) 85 % are based on the mark for the dissertation, b) 10 % reflect the mark for the literature review and c) 5% are based on an oral exam. The word counts for the dissertation and the literature review are 6,000 and 2,500, respectively. http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme Assessment deadlines Deadline for the submission of the literature review is 21.09.2016, 4pm. The deadline for the submission of the dissertation is 14.02.2017, 4pm. Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Field Skills for Earth Surface Scientists (EASC09032) AND Field Course in Tropical Marine and Terrestrial Geoscience (EASC09036) AND Quaternary Environmental Change (EASC09007) AND Environmental Techniques and Applications.
Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses%5B%5D=EASC10009_SS1_SEM1&period=YR Semester: Semester 1 Lectures: Week 4 and Week 10 Monday 09.00 – 17.00 (a separate announcement will be made to confirm these dates) Practical class: N/A Tutorial: N/A
Syllabus N/A
Recommended reading Published papers in the specific field of research. http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Simon Jung Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-4837 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10048 Applied Environmental Geochemistry Course Organiser:
Greg Cowie Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Course description This course is designed to build on environmental geochemistry introduced in previous years (e.g. in the 3rd-year Aquatic Systems course and EG field courses) and is delivered through a suite of 1.5-hour sessions that include lectures followed by time for students to engage with and review the subject material. Students are expected to pursue independent study through recommended readings in order to reinforce and broaden their understanding of core material delivered in lecture. The course is assessed through a 90-minute exam in May. Consequently, the course is not suitable for students visiting for semester 1 only. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10048_SV1_SEM1 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10048.htm Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop a thorough understanding of the principal techniques used in environmental geochemistry through this course.
- They will gain a detailed understanding of organic and inorganic geochemistry within a practical 'applied' context.
- They will view key natural and anthropogenic processes and issues, relevant to terrestrial, aquatic and marine systems in professional level contexts which contain an inherent degree of unpredictability.
- Students will learn how to interpret and apply organic and geochemical tracers, and will enhance their learning through extensive reading, and will therefore be expected to inform their discussions with reference to recent developments.
Opportunities for feedback Extended lecture periods are intended to permit students to raise questions about and discuss lecture material and recommended readings. This may be supplemented by exercises, conducted during these periods or in additional tutorials, (in semester 1 or in semester 2, prior to the May exam). These exercises/turorials will not be assessed, but feedback will be provided (e.g. on responses to mock exam questions). Assessment details Written Exam: 100%, Course Work: 0 %, Practical Exam: 0%. The 90-minute final exam consists of a first section of short-answer questions (obligatory, ~ 30 minutes total) followed by two sections (~30 minutes each) in which one of two essay-style questions is selected. Assessment deadlines May Exam. Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf. All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses Students MUST have passed: Quaternary Environmental Change (EASC09007) AND Aquatic Systems (EASC10099) Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses[]=EASC10048_SV1_SEM1&show-close=1&no-timeframe-change=1&period=SEM1 Semester: Semester 1 Lectures: Tuesday and Thursday 11.00 – 13.00 Week 1 - 11 Practical class:
Tutorial:
Syllabus The course is divided into the following topics, with one or more lectures dedicated to each.
Organic matter cycling: from organisms to fossil fuels.
Controls on the preservation and distribution of organic matter in marine sediments.
Biomarkers: applications of organic compounds, alone and with inorganic and stable isotopic parameters, as tracers of natural processes in present and past environments.
Geochemistry of trace metals in natural and contaminated environments. Recommended reading S. Libes: Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry (Academic Press) Killops and Killops: Introduction to Organic Geochemistry (Blackwell) D. Langmuir: Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry (Prentice Hall). Additional recommended readings will be provided throughout the course.
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Greg Cowie Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-8502 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10050 Global Environmental Change Course Organiser:
Raja Ganeshram Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Note to PT’s: This is a compulsory course for Environmental Geosciences degree. Students taking this course as an option should enrol in EASC10022 Topics in Global Environmental Change instead. Course description This is a student-seminar based course, discussing hot topics in Global Environmental Change. These topics will be introduced by the lecturer, read about by all students, using recent articles in the literature, then will form the basis for student seminars and general group discussion. The class will meet for a three-hour session every week for six weeks during Semester 2 Block 4. Each week, a staff member will give a brief introduction to a topic, highlighting some of the key issues that remain to be fully resolved. They will provide a list of sub-topics, along with a reading list of papers for each. Students will then volunteer to present a 15-minute presentation on each of the sub-topics (one sub-topic each). Topics will be assigned to students on a first-come-first-serve basis during the first meeting and a limit will be imposed on the number of presentations every week so that an even distribution of student talks is achieved every week and all topics are covered sufficiently. The student seminars will act as the platform for a general class discussion. Students are expected to initiate discussion by asking questions and contribute to the discussion by what they understood by reading the papers. The staff members will fill in where and when necessary. At the end of the session, a staff member will introduce the following week's topic. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10050_SV1_SB3 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10050.htm Learning Outcomes 1. To develop a critical understanding of the science underpinning Global Environmental Change, the principal agents and mechanisms that drive environmental change, and the limitations in specific methodology used in studying them. 2. To help further develop the student's skills in critical assessment of scientific literature so that they are able to critically identify and analyse complex problems. 3. To help develop a student's presentation skills and to practise making formal presentations about specialised topics to an informed audiences. 4. The essay assessment will give students the opportunity to critically review and consolidate their understanding of a specialised topic and offer professional level insights. Opportunities for feedback Feedback provided on student seminar presentations during the course and in addition students are encouraged to discuss essay topics they choose with lecturer who are experts in that area Assessment details Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%. Course work marks are split as follows: 2500 Word Essay (50%), Student presentation and class discussion (30%) & oral exam (20%). http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme Assessment deadlines Essay Deadline: 14th April 2017 Oral exam: 7th April 2017
Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf. All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses None Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses%5B%5D=EASC10050_SV1_SB3&period=YR Semester: Semester 2 Block 4 Lectures: Wednesday Week 5, 7-12 in Room 304 B Practical class: TBC Tutorial: TBC Important Notice: It is Important for student taking this course to attend the first meeting on the 15th of February between 11:10-12:00 pm held at the Grant Institute Room 304B. Topics for student presentation are assigned during the first meeting. Failing to attend may restrict your choice of topics.
Syllabus Themes will vary with year, depending on what is topical. Examples of topics from past years are as follows. 1. Climate stability and climate change on geologic timescales. 2. Recent climate variability 3. What caused the glacial-interglacial changes in CO2? 4. Mechanisms of abrupt climate change. 5. Contemporary climate change and ongoing global warming. 6. Dangerous climate change and extreme weather 7. Future climate change predictions. 8. Stability of ice sheets.
Recommended reading Provided through Learn
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Prof Dick Kroon Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-4509 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10049 Environmental Problems and Issues Course Organiser:
Greg Cowie Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Course description The course is intended as a means to engage students in learning about a range of of topical environmental issues, but especially to develop students’ independent research and presentation skills. The course is delivered through a series of lecture suites, each of which is followed 1 week later by a session in which students will present 15-20 minute seminars on selected sub-topics. Each seminar will be followed by a discussion session. Students engage in seminar sessions both through presentation and audience participation (recommended readings and discussion associated with each seminar). The exam takes place in May, and the course is therefore not suitable to students visiting only for semester 1. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10049_SV1_SEM1 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10049.htm
Learning Outcomes 1. Development of an understanding of the current state of the Earth and the interactions between Man's activities and natural cycles. 2. Skills in independent literature research and in-depth, critical studies of processes within the context of specific problems and case studies. 3. Skills in oral presentation to an informed audience. 4. Skills in discussion and critical assessment of student-led seminars. 5. An understanding of selected environmental issues and real-life problems in context provided by other linked Environmental Geoscience courses. Opportunities for feedback Detailed feedback on seminars (style and content) will be provided to students. Staff also provide guidance and feedback during discussion sessions following seminars. Assessment details Written Exam: 70%, Course Work: 30 %, Practical Exam: 0%. Seminar marks are based both on style and content of seminars (85%) and on attendance and participation during discussion (15%). The 90-minute May exam is based on answers to 3 out of 4 essay-style questions. Questions will be based on materials covered both in lecture and case studies explored in seminar sessions. http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme Assessment deadlines N/A Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17
Pre-requisite courses It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Quaternary Environmental Change (EASC09007) AND Aquatic Systems (EASC09013) Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses[]=EASC10049_SV1_SEM1&show-close=1&no-timeframe-change=1&period=SEM1 Semester: Semester 1 Lectures: Tuesday 14.00 – 17.00 and Wednesday 09.00 – 11.00 Week 1 - 11 Practical class: Tutorial:
Syllabus
PART 1: Atmospheric Processes Global Warming Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Pollution at the Earth's Surface PART 2: Estuarine Processes Physical and biogeochemical processes occurring in estuaries, and how these interact to control the cycling and fate of natural and contaminant materials. PART 3: Environmental Issues facing Coral Reefs The science behind: coral bleaching, impacts of changing seawater CO2; eutrophication; pathogens in reef systems; plagues; controls on species diversity; species composition and relative abundance on reefs at different spatial and temporal scales; phase shifts in the reef ecosystem. PART 4: Nuclear Waste management Chemical, geological and socio-economic issues associated with managing the Earth’s low-, intermediate- and high-level nuclear waste.
Recommended reading Recommended readings will be provided with each lecture suite as well as with sub-topics selected for student seminars. http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Greg Cowie Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-8502 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10086 Environmental Geoscience 4th Year Field Course Course Organiser:
Greg Cowie Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Course description Marine Techniques and Processes Course: Five days' field work at Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory at the start of summer, end of the 3rd year. The course is designed to build on skills first introduced/developed in the 3rd field course EASC09036 and laboratory techniques course EASC09045. The trip is designed to provide hands-on experience with water and sediment sampling methods, and bathymetric and hydrographic survey techniques, commonly used in coastal oceanography. Water and sediment samples are subsequently analysed for a variety of parameters and, together with bathymetric and hydrographic data, are used to provide insights on the physical and biogeochemical processes occurring in Loch Etive. A further element of the course focuses on coastal geomorphology and a prediction of how the local environment will respond to projected environmental change. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10086_SS1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10086.htm Learning Outcomes - Design and implementation of field sampling techniques and surveys. - Collection and interpretation of environmental data sets. - Parallel assessment of physical, biological and chemical processes in a natural setting. - Data quality assessment. - Written field-report techniques. Opportunities for feedback Extensive feedback is provided through annotations and written comments on reports. Assessment details Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%. The course is assessed through two reports, the first (75%, 2500-3000 words) addressing the hydrographic and geochemical studies conducted in Loch Etive, the second (25%) addressing the coastal geomorphology/environmental change elements. http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme Assessment deadlines Reports are due in electronic form on the first day of semester 1. Hard copies are to be submitted to the TO office one week later. Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf. All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses Students MUST have passed: Field Course in Tropical Marine and Terrestrial Geoscience (EASC09036) AND Environmental Techniques and Applications (EASC09045)
Timetable Semester: Semester 2 Lectures: Tbc Practical class: Tbc Tutorial: Tbc
Syllabus Students are provided with all introductory lectures and materials during the field trip. There are four days of fieldwork in which students are rotated in groups between the following four exercises. 1) Water and sediment sampling and CTD profiling on RV Seol Mara. 2) Hydrographic and bathymetric surveys. 3) Analyses of water column and sediment porewater samples (in laboratory at SAMS). 4) Coastal geomorphology studies and tutorial in Ocean Data View software package. Objectives and skills development are as described in Course Description and Learning Outcomes sections.
Recommended reading Libes, S., Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry.
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Greg Cowie Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-8502 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10077 Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow & Transport
Course Organiser:
Dr Chris McDermott Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Ms Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
This page is in the process of being fully updated. In the meantime, please refer to the following link for course information from the 15/16 session. If you have any queries regarding this course please contact the Course organiser or Course secretary as detailed below. http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxeasc10077.htm
Course Organiser Course Secretary Dr Chris McDermott Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-5931 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10015 Hydrocarbon Reservoir Quality
Course Organiser:
Dr Stuart Haszeldine Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Ms Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
This page is in the process of being fully updated. In the meantime, please refer to the following link for course information from the 15/16 session. If you have any queries regarding this course please contact the Course organiser or Course secretary as detailed below. http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxeasc10015.htm
Course Organiser Course Secretary Dr Stuart Haszeldine Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-8549 Tel: 0131-650-8510
EASC10084 Earth Surface Processes Course Organiser:
Bryne Ngwenya Other Key Staff: Saran Sohi
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Course description The Earth's near surface environment, also known as the Critical Zone is defined as the Earth's outer layer from vegetation canopy to the soil and groundwater that sustains human life. As such, it forms the interface through which biology has the largest impact on geology, with potential for irreversible anthropogenic disturbance. A course is required that takes a holistic view of the natural geochemical processes in this zone and how these processes are modified by human/biological activities in order to develop the science base that underpins development of policies for dealing with contamination of this critical interface. The objectives of the course are to: 1) understand the basic processes which influence the physical and chemical properties of the Earth¿s critical zone terrestrial environment; 2) explore the way in which these processes have interacted during the recent geological past to determine the character of shallow systems; 3) examine the way in which human behaviour has modified the Earth's critical zone and how geological understanding can help in remediating past damage and planning for future sustainable use. 4) develop critical appraisal of these interactions as a basis for improving regulatory framework. Assessment will be in the form of an essay chosen from a set of topics designed to cover: (a) critical appraisal/debate of evidence/concepts from literature; (b) synthesis of ideas; and/or (c) evidence-based assessment of policy issues/developments. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10084_SV1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10084.htm Learning Outcomes Learning how to integrate information and data from various sources into a coherent framework that helps them design problem-based investigations. Visualising and applying this information to natural settings and at different scales in order to facilitate prediction. Gaining an appreciation of the link between theory and technology in order to develop a practical approach to problem solving. Appreciating the impact of human activities on the near-surface environment and learning how to develop strategies for sustainable use of the environment. Opportunities for feedback Essay topics from previous years will be made available to allow students to become familiar with the type of topics. We will encourage students to attempt these topics as a basis for receiving feedback during tutorial sessions. Examples of feedback can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-organisation/staff/feedback-and-marking Assessment details Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%. You are assessed by an essay, chosen from a range of topics that we cover during the course. Topics are posted at least 3 weeks before the deadline and the essay has a word limit of 3,000 words. Link to the Extended Common Marking Scheme
Assessment deadlines The deadline is normally in week 9 of semester 2 but can change to take account of dissertation deadlines. Assessment and Feedback information http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf. All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses
Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses[]=EASC10084_SV1_SEM2&show-close=1&no-timeframe-change=1&period=SEM2
Semester: Semester 2
Lectures: Tbc Practical class: Tbc Tutorial: Tbc
Syllabus The course will cover the following topics. 1. Water-rock Interaction and Material Cycling in the Earth's Critical Zone Controls on mineral weathering rates. Field and laboratory methods for quantifying weathering, Field versus laboratory measurements, effects of temperature on mineral dissolution rates, organic-mineral and organic-metal interactions; mechanisms of mineral dissolution reactions. Discussion topic: What is the evidence for/against the leached layer hypothesis of mineral weathering? 2. Interpreting Rock Weathering at Catchment Scale Factors controlling rock weathering in catchments, links to climate through glacial processes and mountain building; the Amazon Basin case study for interpreting catchment scale weathering rates. Geochemical tracers of weathering and soil formation, consequences for engineering properties of soils using the Hong Kong case study for geotechnical and landslide regulation. 3. Coupling Between Biology and Earth Materials in the Earth¿s Critical Zone The geosphere-biosphere interface, role of biology in mineral growth and alteration. Mechanisms of biological weathering, Role of bacteria in acidic mine drainage, Effects on soil, groundwater and surface water sustainability. 4. Links Between Population Growth, Waste Generation and Disturbance of the Earth¿s Critical Zone (i) Trends in population growth, resource exploitation and waste production, environmental degradation and sustainable development? (a) Population growth and pressures linked to resource use and increased pollution. (b) Exemplify a historical and scientific approach through the following examples: Thomas Malthus Essay on the principles of population, Club of Rome/Limits to growth, Limits to Growth 30(40) year update. (ii) Environmental Management Soils as a non-renewable resource in environmental management and stewardship. Sustainable use and sustainable development. What is sustainable? Bruntland Commission (1987). Legislation relating to soil management Soil management processes. Land Use Strategy for Scotland. Environmental Impact Assessments - offering enhancement over mitigation. (iii) Waste Policy Framework, EU Legislation on What is Waste. Waste Framework Directive. EU Landfill directive, Zero Waste Scotland, Solutions to waste generation. Controlling waste and methods of dealing with waste. Reducing waste as a method to offset potential global shortages. (iv) Discussion/Debate Topic (a) Is there a link between population growth and critical zone degradation? What is the future for humanity and the planet? (b) Has the EU Landfill Directive been a success? At what level is this success measured. 5. Scientific Basis of the Contaminated Land Act 1990
Contamination and risk assessment (Source-pathway-target concept), Legal framework, contaminant transport and prediction, geological and experimental determination of transport parameters. Discussion/debate topics to include: (i) what is the scientific basis of the Contaminated Land Act? (ii) Are Soil Guideline values relevant?
Recommended reading Papers distributed to the class throughout the duration of the course.
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Bryna Ngwenya Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-8524 Tel: 0131-650-8510
ECSC10037 Current Issues in Ecology and Environmental Science
Course Organiser:
Gail Jackson Other Key Staff: N/A
Course Secretary:
Christine Lee Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 08
Course description
The central question of the course is 'what are the current research issues in ecology?' This course would aim
to fill a niche by introducing the students to research level ecosystem and marine ecology, drawing from the
cutting edge research topics currently being explored within the Schools of Geosciences and Biological
sciences. This course is useful not only to equip those wishing to pursue a career in academia, but also those
who seek careers in the UK and overseas as environmental consultants, environmental regulators, conservation
organisations, within forestry industry and water companies and environmental policy advisors for government
agencies.
Topics covered in lectures and discussions will include a broad range of current issues including tropical
ecology, soil diversity, barcoding in ecology, geoengineering, species diversity and marine ecology.
Further Course Information
https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/ECSC10037_SS1_SEM2
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxecsc10037.htm
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Students will have an increased knowledge and awareness of issues currently being researched within the
School of GeoSciences and within some of our partner institutions. The course comprises eight, three hour
sessions during which a researcher from a range of disciplines will present their work. Students are expected
to have read relevant papers (provided in advance of the session) and to come prepared to contribute to the
class discussion. Each researcher will be available for an extended discussion session following their
presentation.
Opportunities for feedback
Examples of feedback can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-
organisation/staff/feedback-and-marking
Assessment details
Written exam 0%, Coursework 100% Exam 0%
The course is assessed via two components, each of which counts for 50% of the total course mark:
(i) A class test in which six semi-short short answer questions must be answered, from a choice of eight (one
from each session).
(ii) An individual three page report based on a group Problem Based Learning exercise.
Assessment deadlines
(i) The class test is on Tuesday 14th February
(ii) The Problem Based Learning report submission is Thursday 16th February
Assessment and Feedback information
http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf . All details related to extensions
procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook
2016-17
Pre-requisite courses
None
Timetable Semester: Semester 2 Lectures: Tuesday 10:00-13:00, Thursday 1000-13:00,
https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses[]=ECSC10037_SS1_SEM2&show-close=1&no-timeframe-
change=1&period=SEM2
Syllabus This will be available at least six weeks before the course starts. Please contact the course secretary for details
at this time.
Recommended reading
This will be issued one week before the session in which it will be discussed
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Gail Jackson Christine Lee Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131 650 5436 Tel: 0131 650 5430
EASC10100 Topics in Palaeobiology and Evolution
Course Organiser:
Rachel Wood Other Key Staff: Dick Kroon and Steve Brusatte
Course Secretary:
Sarah Thomas Course location: Kings Buildings
Credits available: 10 SCQF Level: 10
Course description This course will deepen understanding of the evolution of life over time and how scientists study fossils, the fossil record, and evolution in deep time. The focus will be on cutting edge palaeontological and geobiological research topics and controversies, particularly those that are being researched by Edinburgh-based scientists. The first four course sessions will each focus on a particular integrative topic. Students will be given a selection of primary literature to read before each session. The session will begin with a short lecture on the week¿s topic, in which the subject is described, the work being actively undertaken in Edinburgh is summarised, and the primary methods used to the study the topic are outlined. Following the lecture there will be a discussion of the lecture and literature readings, which will then be followed by either a practical exercise in which students get first-hand experience with the research techniques discussed in the lecture, or a group discussion of continuing controversies. Groups and individuals may be asked to make informal oral presentations. The fifth session will be a local fieldtrip in which students identify fossils in the field, use those fossils to reconstruct ancient environments, and produce a field report. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC10100_SS1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxeasc10100.htm Learning Outcomes
- Acquire skills in statistical techniques to understand biodiversity and evolution - Acquire fluency in techniques for palaeoecological analysis - Understanding of the use of diverse geochemical proxies, and biogeochemical processes - Ability to conduct and interpret phylogenetic analyses - Acquisition of integrated paleontological field skills and biostratigraphy
Opportunities for feedback Each course meeting will in large part be discussion based, so there will be constant formative feedback, as well as peer feedback. Students will give presentations and posters, and these will be critiqued by fellow students, as well as staff. Examples of feedback can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-organisation/staff/feedback-and-marking Assessment details Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%. Field trip summary given as a poster - 50% Individual presentation (15 Minutes) - 50%
Presentations – provisional date - 12th February, 9-12 am. Dick’s Office (Room 333) POSTERS – provisional date - 24th February from 1 pm - Dick’s Office (Room 333) http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme
Assessment deadlines Reading will be assigned prior to each taught session. Assessments will be a 15 min presentation (50%) and a field-based project presented as a poster (50%). Presentations on an agreed topic of where there is current controversy. Posters need to be displayed Dick Kroon’s Office by 1pm on the provisional date of February 18th 2017, where staff will provide feedback Talks will be given in Dick Kroon’s at 1 pm on the provisional date of 24th February 2017 Assessment and Feedback information
http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf. All details related to
extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of GeoSciences General Information Handbook 2016-17 Pre-requisite courses N/A Timetable https://browser.ted.is.ed.ac.uk/generate?courses%5B%5D=EASC10100_SS1_SEM2&period=YR
Semester: Semester 2 Lectures: Tbc Practical class: Tbc Tutorial: Tbc
Syllabus This course will introduce students to the unique aspects of the evolution of life on Earth. They will gain a critical understanding of how we study key evolutionary processes, and explore how these systems have evolved over geological time. The requisite reading will ensure that learning is informed by forefront developments in the field. Presentation skills to an informal audience will be practised, and students are generally expected to offer professional level interpretations and critically identify the major/ current issues in a selected, specialised field.
Recommended reading General texts: Knoll, A.H., Canfield, D.E., and Konhauser, K O., Editors, 2011. Fundamentals of Gebiology, Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester. Brusatte, S. 2012. Dinosaur Paleobiology, Wiley-Blackwell Additional primary literature will be provided before each topical session.
http://www.docs.is.ed.ac.uk/docs/library/ResourceLists/Resource_Lists_and_the_Accesible_and_Inclusive_Learning_Policy.pdf Contacts
Course Organiser Course Secretary Rachel Wood Sarah Thomas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131-650-6014 Tel: 0131-650-8510
Other optional courses available to Year four Environmental GeoScience students are listed below. These
courses are delivered in Semester 1. More information can be found by following the links underneath the
course name.
PGGE11067 Principles of Geographical Information Science (Block1) http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxpgge11067.htm
PGGE11172 Environmental Geochemistry http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxpgge11172.htm
PGGE11053 Fundamentals for Remote Sensing http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/16-17/dpt/cxpgge11053.htm
Degree Programme Tables
Environmental Geociences (BSc Hons) (UTBSCECOLE1F)
Year 1
COMPULSORY COURSES
Code Course Name Period Credits
EASC08001 Earth Dynamics Semester 1 20
EASC08017 Introduction to the Geological Record Semester 2 20
EASC08023 Evolution of the Living Earth Semester 1 20
EASC08018 Earth Modelling and Prediction 2 Semester 2 20
COURSE OPTIONS
Select exactly 60 credits from 40 credits from Level 8 courses in Schedules A to Q, T and W, as available
NB: Appropriate course combinations will be suggested to students by their Personal Tutor to facilitate advance planning.
Year 2
COMPULSORY COURSES
Code Course Name Period Credits
EASC08004 Oceanography Semester 2 20
EASC08021 Geomaterials Semester 1 20
EASC08024 Environmental Geochemistry of the Earth’s Surface Semester 1 20
COURSE OPTIONS
Select exactly 60 credits from Level 8 courses in Schedules A to Q T and W, as available. NB: It is highly recommended that students WITHOUT Chemistry at SQA Higher or A-Level take Introductory Chemistry for Biologists while those WITH Chemistry at SQA Higher or A-Level should include Chemistry 1A in their option courses.
Year 3
COMPULSORY COURSES
Code Course Name Period Credits
EASC09036 Field Course in Tropical Marine and Terrestrial Geoscience Semester 2 20
ECSC09005 Environmental Pollution Semester 2 20
EASC09056 Global Environmental Change- Foundations Semester 1 20
EASC10103 Practical Geochemistry and Data Analysis Full Year 20
EASC10101 Applied Hydrogeology and Near Surface Geophysics Semester 1 20
EASC10102 Earth's Atmospheric Composition Semester 2 20
COURSE OPTIONS
There are no Course Options in Year 3 of this degree
Year 4
COMPULSORY COURSES
Code Course Name Period Credits
EASC10009 Environmental Geosciences Projects Semester 1 40
EASC10048 Applied Environmental Geochemistry Semester 1 10
EASC10050 Global Environmental Change Semester 2 10
EASC10049 Environmental Problems and Issues Semester 1 10
EASC10086 Environmental Geoscience 4th Year Field Course Semester 2 10
COURSE OPTIONS
Select exactly 40 credits from
EASC10077 Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport (10 credits)
EASC10015 Hydrocarbon Reservoir Quality (10 Credits)
PGGE11067 Principles of Geographical Information Science (Block1) (10 credits)
EASC10084 Earth Surface Processes
EASC10100 Topics in Palaeobiology and Evolution (10 Credits)
PGGE11172 Environmental Geochemistry (10 credits)
PGGE11053 Fundamentals for Remote Sensing (10 credits)
(ECSC10037) Current Issues in Ecological and Environmental Science
Additional information This section details any further information that may be helpful to you during the fourth year of your degree
programme
Information will be sent to you via your university e-mail account.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR E-MAIL REGULARLY as this is the most efficient way of getting
information to you fast.
PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS:
You are encouraged to maintain a regular dialogue with all members of the EG4 teaching staff, throughout
the year.
Do not wait until the end of the year to get clarification, or background reading, on lecture material (etc)
that you do not fully understand.
Also, your comments on the course are welcome! You will be asked to provide thorough feedback at the end
of the year, but we will take constructive suggestions on board from the beginning.
Any questions relating to specific aspects of the course should be directed in the first instance either to the
specific lecturer concerned or to the Course Organiser for that particular component.
Useful links
The below links are for pages which give details of policies and guidance within and outside of the School of
GeoSciences, including Special Circumstances, Assessments and Examination diets.
School of GeoSciences Teaching Organisation:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-organisation
School of GeoSciences policies and forms:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/teaching-organisation/to-form-policy
College of Science and Engineering:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/science-engineering
Academic Services:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services
