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Semester 1

Geomaterials (EASC08021)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

2

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

In this course we explore the fundamental nature of the material which constitutes the Earth and other planets. In the Mineral Science section we consider how atoms are arranged in crystalline materials and how this ultimately governs the nature of geomaterials. Interaction of crystalline materials with light, X-rays and electrons are used to introduce the theoretical and practical basis behind the polarising microscope, X-ray diffraction and electron microscope/microprobe. In Composition of the Earth we review the main groups of Earth Materials, considering (1) how structure, chemistry, physical properties, and occurrence are interrelated, (2) how earth materials are used in modern research as information sources to reveal the nature of Earth processes, and (3) introduce theoretical aspects of modern Earth Materials research (e.g. phase stability and transitions). In the final section Chemical Equilibria we consider how the stability and occurrence of geomaterials can be predicted and determined numerically using thermodynamics, and consider factors governing the rates of Earth processes at variable depths.

Course Description

The week-by-week schedule is given in a separate sheet available from the course Learn page. Further Course Information can be found at the following links: https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC08021_SV1_SEM1 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/current/dpt/cxeasc08021.htm

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Assessment Details Assessments are based on, Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %. Coursework consists of 50% portfolio of material from practicals, and 50% take-home assessment which is given to students at the end of the course, and covers all the materials from the course (Mineral Science, Composition of the Earth, and Chemical Equilibria). To pass the course students must achieve an overall (i.e., aggregate) mark of 40% or more. A1 (90-100) = Excellent; outstanding (1st). A2 (89-90) = Excellent a high 1st. A3 (70-79) = Excellent; (1st). B (60-69) = Very good; (2.1). C (50-59) = Good; (2.2) D (40-49) = Pass; (3rd). E (30-39) = Marginal fail. F (20-29) = Clear fail. G (10-19) = Bad fail. H (0-9) = Very bad fail. Further assessment and feedback information https://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/policies-regulations/regulations/assessment All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the School of Geosciences Handbook, which can be found on the Learn UG Student Information Hub. Assessment Deadlines Each of assessed coursework (Portfolio of material from practicals; Take-home assessment) will be submitted electronically on LEARN. Students have to scan the answers and drawings they have made and submit a single document via LEARN for each assessment. Portfolio: Thursday of Week 9, Semester 1, 12noon Take-Home Assessment: Thursday of Week 11, Semester 1, 12noon

view the timetable and further details for this course