CSMM440 - Research Frontiers in Earth Science (2023)

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MODULE TITLEResearch Frontiers in Earth Science CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODECSMM440 MODULE CONVENERDr Sev Kender (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 5 5 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will gain an appreciation of how to critically analyse research methods, data collection, balanced argument and weighing of the evidence. This will be achieved through a series of seminars taking a forensic look at emerging and exciting frontiers in the Earth Sciences. You will also learn how to communicate scientific results, as well as critically evaluate presentations by others. The topics will be focused on a wide range of research fields reflecting expertise across the discipline, and will include ore deposits and critical metals, mineral recovery, palaeoclimate and global change in geological time, active earth and mining. This module will build upon the concepts and skills learned during CSM modules spanning years 2–3.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

1. To provide an overview of new and emerging research areas in the Earth Sciences, relevant to the broad range of research carried out in the Camborne School of Mines.

2. To gain an understanding and critical assessment of exciting research methods.

3. To understand the process of hypothesis testing, balanced argument and creating theory.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Read, assimilate and make critical judgement on recently published research articles and methods.

2. Discern the most important scientific points from these papers in order to participate effectively in class discussions.

3. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the main aims, methods and findings of the work being examined.

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4. Describe the main ideas relating to important research fields in the Earth Sciences.

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5. Participate in discussions effectively, making points simply and coherently with the aim of producing a balanced analysis of the theme under discussion.

6. Summarise and critique topics discussed in a way accessible to a general Earth Science audience, both through writing and oral presentation.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Each topic will focus on a new and emerging scientific area, in terms of both theory and methods. The study of each topic comprises time for reading provided papers, a seminar in which students will present and discuss the research papers with each other and the lecturer, followed by a broader discussion led by the lecturer. These seminars will focus on all aspects of the research, including sample collection, data generation, methods of analysis, hypothesis driven critical analysis of data.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 10.00 Guided Independent Study 290.00 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Seminar-style sessions where students take it in turns to present on a topic, with feedback from the rest of the class and the module leader. There will be two tutorials for course and examination feedback.
Attendance at talks/seminars 20 Engagement with research seminars given by internal or external speakers.
Guided independent study 270 Independent study guided by reading lists and departmental/conference talk attendance.

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Class of presentations
One 10 minute presentation + time for questions and class discussion at the end of the seminar.
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Feedback on class presentations, as marked by M.L.

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Class presentations 50 Seven 10 minute presentations + time for questions and class discussion at the end of the seminar. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Feedback on class presentations, as marked by M.L.
Written report
 50 Around 10 pages 1, 3, 4, 6 Mark and individual feedback via attainment against proforma marking scheme

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Class presentation Research essay 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  
Report critically analysing an external talks/seminars attended throughout the course. Updated report 1, 3, 4, 6
August Ref/Def Period
 

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment will be based on updated Report (50%) and a research essay (50%).

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

There is no specific course text, as these will be the scientific papers that relate to the topics of each seminar. They will be identified by the lecturer.

 

ELE: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 21 August 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 14 March 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined