Learning objectives
At the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:- to know and use the main stratigraphic methods- recognize and correlate simple rocks sequences using multiple stratigraphic methodologies- describe and drawing rock successions- read and understand simple scientific texts in English- preparing short technical-scientific reports about field trips experience and/or on specific assigned topics
Prerequisites
Attendance for the lessons of the GENERAL GEOLOGY module
Course unit content
The STRATIGRAPHY course is the second module of the Integrated Course of INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCES for the students of the 3 years degree in Geological Sciences.The INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCES integrated course provides the students with the basic theoretical knowledge of Earth's processes and geological structures, of their evolution throught the time and of the main geological survey techniques. The course is intended to provide the students with a general view of the disciplines that will be dealt in more detail during the three-year course in order to better understand their links. During the course, laboratory exercises will be held for rock recognition and classification, reading of geological maps and field trips for understanding the geological features of the territory. Particular attention will be paid to providing the student with the methodological tools for carrying out a correct scientific analysis, for reading and understanding scientific texts and for the preparation of technical-scientific reports.In the STRATIGRAPHYmodule more detailed information on stratigraphic methodologies and in particular on stratigraphic correlation techniques is provided, through classroom exercises and on the field.
Full programme
STRATIGRAPHY module- Origins, Objectives and Problems of Stratigraphy
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- The traditional stratigraphic units: lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic, chemostratigrafiche, cyclostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- stratigraphic boundaries
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- stratigraphic discontinuities
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- rocks dating techniques
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- the geological time scale
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- stratification
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Introduction to facies analysis
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- How to study an outcrop (description, data sample collection and, graphic representation, field trip)
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills- Depositional systems
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Walther's Law
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Transgressions, regression and sedimentary cycles
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Sedimentary basins
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Introduction to Unsorted Limiting Units and Sequential Stratigraphy
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Wheeler Diagram
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills- Stratigraphic correlations (with exercises)
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
Bibliography
Didactic material (slide, scientific articles) made available on the webSuggested text book:for the STRATIGRAPHY moduleA.D. Miall – Stratigraphy: a modern synthesis, Springer
Ricci Lucchi F. – Sedimentografia – Zanichelli, Bologna
Bosellini A., Mutti E. e Ricci Lucchi F. – Rocce e Successioni sedimentarie – UTET, Torino (no longer printed, available from department library)
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with multimedia tools, practical application of concepts through individual and group exercises in the classroom and on the field
Assessment methods and criteria
Examination through:- a written and practical test for the STRATIGRAPHY module including an exercise of stratigraphic correlation and questions on module topics; (ID: knowledge and understanding skills; knowledge and understanding skills applied)The test assigns a maximum total score of 30The score obtained in this module, together with the one gained at the GENERAL GEOLOGY module, concur to the final examination of the integrated course of INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCES after an oral final test with presentation and discussion of a brief written (or multimedia) report about field trips or other assigned topics (ID: Knowledge and Applied Capability, Communication Skills)The final score will be the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in the two written and oral tests
Other information
Information on the content of the course (see below) are associated with the relative "Dublin Indicators" (DI) that characterize their purposes.
Dublin Indicators:
- Knowledge and understanding;
- Applying knowledge and understanding;
- Making judgements;
- Communication skills;
- Learning skills.
