Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Environmental Geophysics
Module Code	PS308
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Greg Hughes Semester 2: Greg Hughes Autumn: Greg Hughes
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To familiarise the student with the general properties of the earth as a planet of the solar system To impart a knowledge and understanding of gravitational variations and gross land-sea structures To provide a basic understanding of how magnetism affects the earth and its atmosphere To provide an understanding of wave propagation throughout the earth and its place in seismology and earthquakes To impart knowledge of energy sources within the earth and the application of this knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain familiarity with the basic concepts of planets and the distinctive properties of the Earth.
2. Outline the origin and implications of gravitational and density variations near the Earths surface.
3. Relate the general magnetic properties of the earth to various phenomena caused by the Earths magnetic field.
4. Explain the variety of wave types that are generated at the Earths surface and how they propagate.
5. Identify connections between the sources of heat in the Earth and how heat transfer takes place on land and undersea.
6. Explain how to use radioactivity information for determining the Earths history.
7. Apply mathematical models to understand the general structural and thermal properties of the Earths surface.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent learning	103	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The main topics and indicative hours are as follows.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	n/a	15%	n/a
Short answer questions	n/a	15%	Every Second Week

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO