Unit name | Frontiers in Earth Science |
---|---|
Unit code | EASCM0061 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Rich Pancost |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of years 1-3 of the relevant degree programme. Volcanology MSc students who wish to take this unit must discuss it with the unit director before choosing it as an option. |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Critical examination of key topics in the Earth Sciences, especially those that represent new (past five years) advances, paradigm shifts or controversies. The aims are to explore some of the most important current topics, thereby providing an understanding of the recent evolution of the discipline and its relevance to global challenges. In doing so, its wider aims are to develop critical skills in reading and interpreting the scientific literature, critiquing papers and presentations (both scientific content as well as style and effectiveness of delivery) and writing skills.
The unit comprises one introductory week (three lectures and a practical session to refine writing, narrative and presentation skills), followed by five weeks of topical study (lectures and practical discussion sessions). Seminar engagement (TB1) is required.
The study of each topic comprises an introductory lecture by a relevant academic expert, time for reading and a forum with students discussing different aspects of the topic as well as the effectiveness of the paper’s presentation of that information. The seminar engagement comprises attending at least 5 School Seminars and delivering a concise presentation inspired by them in week 11.
On successful completion of the unit you will have the ability to:
Content will be delivered through a combination of
Coursework 100%, comprising:Summative assessment – a written essay (ca 1500 words and two figures) at the conclusion of the unit Formative assessment – a short written essay (ca 1000 words) during the unit and participation in weekly discussion sessions and/or online discussion sessions.
No specific course text; instead 1 key paper and 3-4 supplementary papers relating to each topic for discussion will be identified by the lecturer; the students will be expected to identify and read 3-4 additional papers.