Unit information: Physics and Chemistry for Earth Scientists in 2021/22

Unit name	Physics and Chemistry for Earth Scientists
Unit code	EASC10006
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Mader
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The goal of this unit is to give students a foundation in the fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry needed for Earth Sciences programmes. Closely integrated in this goal is the development of applied mathematical and problem-solving skills.

The unit will be taught over 14 weeks and include lectures and practical classes. At the start of the course there will be a basic algebra test. Those who pass will join the course in week 3. Those who do not pass will receive algebra teaching in weeks 1 and 2.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Ability to solve quantitative problems using dimensional analysis; understanding of errors and uncertainties.
• Understanding of fundamental principles of classical mechanics and how these principles are expressed mathematically using elementary calculus.
• Understanding of fundamental ideas in chemical bonding which govern the distribution of elements in the Earth.
• Understanding of chemical equilibria in aqueous solutions: acid-base, solubility and oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Ability to do simple thermodynamic and equilibrium calculations to solve problems in solid-state and aqueous geochemistry.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials and, if subsequently possible, synchronous face-to-face lectures
• synchronous office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative activities and exercises
• guided, structured reading
• practical work in the laboratory

Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete practical work, or alternative activities in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.

Assessment Information

Summative: Timed open-book exam (100%)

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC10006).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.