ER11: Ecology & Earth / Biological Sciences
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Description:
Ecology & Earth / Biological Sciences
Ecology & Earth / Biological Sciences
ER11
NFQ Level:
9
ECTS Credits:
7.5
Dr John Feehan
MO1 Demonstrate a critical awareness of the various components of the Earth
Sciences.
MO2 Demonstrate an understanding of how geology, biology and ecology
interact with each other during different geological time periods.
MO3 Demonstrate how these can be applied to understand a particular
landscape.
MO4 Demonstrate how the life sciences can provide the foundations for an
adequate ecological theology and spirituality
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
The module tells the story of who we are and how we are connected to everything in our universe
involving an introduction to cosmology; the origins of the Solar System; the emergence and shaping of
Earth during the past five billion years and the evolution of life right up to this moment in time; how the
earth works from a geological perspective, an introduction to the concept of plate tectonics and the
various types of rocks and minerals that have formed landscape over geological times. The course will
present how geological and biological concepts are interrelated.; it will involve a study of the most recent
Ice Age and how it has contributed to our local landscape today; and how our local geological history has
shaped our local landscape, its architecture, and the resources that underpin our human society,
including spirituality.
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
ER11: Ecology & Earth / Biological Sciences
Indicative Context
Assessment Breakdown
%
Essay
Linked to Module Outcomes: MO1, MO4
Laboratory Tasks
Linked to Module Outcomes: MO2, MO3
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
60 %
40 %
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Assessment Date
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Hours
Total Workload
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Grotzinger, J., Jordan, T.H., Press, F. and Siever, R. Understanding Earth. California: W.H. Freeman and
Co. (Fifth Edition). 2007.
Jones, A et al., Practical Skills in Environmental Sciences (Edinburgh: Pearson, 2000)
Kennan, P.S.Written in Stone. Geological Survey of Ireland. 1995.
Geological Survey of Ireland, 2003.
Geology of Meath. 1:100,000 scale, Bedrock Geology Map Series.3wa\
Meehan, R.T. and Warren, W.P. The Boyne Valley in the Ice Age A field guide to some of the Boyne
Valley's most important Glacial Geological features. Geological Survey of Ireland. 1999.
Mitchell, W.I. (Ed.) The Geology of Northern Ireland. Our Natural Foundation. Geological Survey of
Northern Ireland (Second Edition). 2004.
Sleeman, A., McConnell, B. and Gately, S Understanding Earth Processes, Rocks and the Geological
History of Ireland. Geological Survey of Ireland. 2004.
ER11: Ecology & Earth / Biological Sciences
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Module Managers & Teachers
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Semester One
Semester Two
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