Unit information: Physics and Chemistry for Earth Scientists in 2016/17

Unit name	Physics and Chemistry for Earth Scientists
Unit code	EASC10006
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Kohn
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The goal of this unit is to give students a foundation in the fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry needed for geology and environmental geoscience. Closely integrated in this goal is the development of applied mathematical and problem-solving skills. The unit is optional but any Earth Science student who is admitted to the University without good A-level grades in Maths, Physics and Chemistry (or their equivalent qualifications) is strongly advised to take the unit. The unit will comprise 42 lectures and 14 practicals.

At the start of the course there will be a basic algebra test. Those who pass will join the course in week 3. Those who do not pass will receive algebra teaching in weeks 1 and 2.

The Physics component will run in weeks 3 to 8; Chemistry will run in weeks 9 to 14.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Ability to solve quantitative problems using dimensional analysis; understanding of errors and uncertainties.
• Understanding of fundamental principles of classical mechanics and how these principles are expressed mathematically using elementary calculus.
• Understanding of fundamental ideas in chemical bonding which govern the distribution of elements in the Earth.
• Understanding of chemical equilibria in aqueous solutions: acid-base, solubility and oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Ability to do simple thermodynamic and equilibrium calculations to solve problems in solid-state and aqueous geochemistry.

Teaching Information

3 lectures and 1 (3 hour) practical per week. In addition homework assignments will be set. Course materials and formative assessment exercises will be delivered online.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment is divided equally between the Physics and Chemistry components of the unit.

For the Physics component the assessment will be a series of weekly tests (80%) and a problem set (20%).

For the Chemistry component the assessment will be a series of weekly tests (100%).

Reading and References

Custom textbooks will be provided; material will also be provided online.