Unit information: Topics in Volcanology in 2020/21

Unit name	Topics in Volcanology
Unit code	EASCM0056
Credit points	30
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Cashman
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit current topics in Volcanology will be reviewed, discussed and debated. The unit will include lectures on scientific communication (including writing, drafting figures, power point and poster presentations), in addition to student presentations and student-led discussions. The written component of the unit will receive extensive feedback aimed at improving writing skills as well as scientific understanding. The unit will culminate in the writing of a literature review on a topic from a list provided by the unit director.

The main aims are to:

• develop an understanding of current debates in Volcanology, including hazard and risk
• improve communication skills (oral, visual and written)
• encourage and build skills of critical thinking
• identify and access appropriate library or electronic information relevant to a topic
• produce a coherent, analytical, up-to-date, and accurate report on the various positions in a debate

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to

• synthesise different perspectives on scientific debates in both oral and written forms
• debate controversies in group discussions
• analyse key strengths and weaknesses of scientific arguments, including learning to separate data from interpretation

Teaching Information

Presentations/discussions to be done online or in person

Assessment Information

100% coursework, comprising:

• Two essays (2000 words each): the first will receive formative feedback; the second will be for summative assessment (25%)
• Presentation: 20%
• Participation in discussions: 5%
• Literature review (10 pages): 50%

The classroom component is based on student presentations and guided discussions. Each student will give one presentation and will lead or co-lead one discussion; all students however will be expected to prepare for and participate in every discussion.

The two essays will be reports on the presentation/discussion topics from two of the weeks where they are not a presenter or discussion leader.

Reading and References

The reading will come from the current literature, and will change each year. The focus will be on high-profile journals and topics that are stimulating debates at professional meetings and in the literature.