Unit information: Current Topics in Volcanology in 2018/19

Unit name	Current Topics in Volcanology
Unit code	EASCM0054
Credit points	10
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 you will review, discuss and debate current topics in Volcanology. 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.

Students will also attend School or Group seminars in each week of the course.

The main aims are to:

• develop an understanding of current debates in Volcanology, including hazard and risk
• improve communication skills, both oral and written
• encourage and build skills of critical thinking

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

Presentation and Discussion Sessions

Assessment Information

100% Coursework - comprising 3 written assignments (each 2,000 words and each worth 20%) [total 60%] and presentations [40%]. 10% of the presentation mark will be for general participation.

Most of the unit will be 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 3 written assignments will be reports on the presentation/discussion topics from three 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.