Overview

Anglesey holds a rich geological record, evidence by the fact that it has UNESCO Global Geopark status (GeoMon) and includes a world type locality for Melange, which outcrops in several places across the island. The sheer period of time covered by the outcropping rocks, and the variety of lithotypes available make the island an ideal educational site. Recent development of understanding in plate tectonics (Ocean Plate Stratigraphy), combined with a much improved coverage of dated rock locations, means that we now see the Precambrian geology of Anglesey in a different light than we did ten years ago. Furthermore, the metamorphosed and then younger strata reflect the long journey that the local crust has taken, starting from a point near to the southern pole, ending-up at our present position, 53 degrees north of the Equator.

This module aims to take advantage of this incredible opportunity for student learning - one where the 'big picture' story can be evidenced on the outcrop scale. It will do so by a central core of field site visits, supplemented by a short lecture series that will give the general background, the 'Anglesey Story', as well as specific preambles to each visit.

Students will be asked to create public information output that explains the geological context and outcrops for selected sites - thereby putting their knowledge on test and developing important science communication skills. In addition, students' knowledge and understanding will be put to the test via a short online quiz.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - 40% to 50% Blog: Mainly appropriate and relevant text that shows the author has sourced information from the set-reading and has shown basic knowledge of the field sites and of the geology of Anglesey. The work might shows minor evidence of synthesis of information and a rudimentary grasp of the geological ideas under consideration. The standard of presentation is acceptable, but no more. Test: Some understanding of the geology of Anglesey as introduced in this module. Typically, the threshold level of performance would involve answering the more fundamental questions correctly, but struggling with the higher order tasks.

Good - 50% to 60% Blog:Appropriate and relevant text that shows the author has sourced information somewhat beyond the set-reading and has shown broad and deep knowledge in the production of the blog. The work shows some evidence of synthesis of information and a good grasp of the geological ideas under consideration. The standard of presentation is good, or better for the best in this category. Test:Comprehensive understanding of the geology of Anglesey as introduced in this module. Typically, good work would be marked out as including correct answers to the slightly more subtle, probing questions set.

Excellent - 70% to 100% Blog:Incisive, relevant text that shows the author has sourced well beyond the set-reading and has shown not only broad and deep knowledge, but also elements of critical analysis. The work shows clear evidence of synthesis of information and a comprehensive grasp of the geological ideas under consideration. The standard of presentation is near-professional, or even better for the very best. Test: Near complete understanding of the geology of Anglesey as introduced in this module. Typically, excellent work would be marked out as including correct answers to the more subtle, probing questions set.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated an ability to communicate fundamental geological ideas in a way that would be comprehensible and attractive to the general public whilst retaining scientific accuracy.

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated an understanding of the central paradigms in the Earth Sciences: uniformitarianism, the extent of geological time, plate tectonics, the rates of Earth processes, and examples of major events in Earth history as evidenced by the geology of Anglesey..

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the broad geological evolution of Anglesey within a plate tectonic framework, and will have been able to exemplify this with knowledge from individual field sites.