The geological history of the British Isles
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| 1 Computer-marked assignment (CMA) | |
| End-of-course assessment | Residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This one-week residential school provides practical fieldwork and complementary laboratory experience needed for a degree specialising in Earth sciences. It includes field trips, laboratory sessions and tutorials, with an accompanying course book outlining the geological history of the British Isles – focusing on the area you see during the residential week. There are two assignments, one completed during the school and the other afterwards. The school is held at a UK university (probably Durham), with a choice of dates in July and early August – register early if you have a preference, as unfortunately we can’t always offer your first choice.
Course content
Most days at the school are spent on field trips to sites of geological interest, with laboratory sessions and tutorials in the evenings. The course includes a book that gives an outline of the geological history of the British Isles, with emphasis on the areas of Northern England that you will see during the school. You will work through the book before and after the school, taking about 24 to 28 hours of study time.
A computer-marked assignment (CMA) will test the effectiveness of your fieldwork observations and your follow-up laboratory work. You will complete the assignment under examination conditions at the end of the school, with the aid of the notes and sketches you have made during the week. On the Friday morning, you will take part in a project where, as a member of a group, you will be jointly responsible for interpreting and reporting orally on the environment of deposition of a succession of rocks as exposed in an ‘unknown’ quarry. The project and the end-of-school assignment mean that you must stay until 3.15 pm on Friday. A second computer-marked assignment, which you complete at the end of the course, will test material from the whole course.
The school is held at Durham University in July or early August. You will be asked to choose your preferred week when you register for the course. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so you should register as early as you can. See our Residential Schools website for more information.
Entry
This course complements the 30-point course Geology (S260), and is particularly suitable for students who are taking that. It builds on knowledge and skills from S260, so you are strongly advised not to take it unless you are also taking (or have already passed) S260. If you already have some geological knowledge or experience, you may be able to complete the residential school course without studying S260. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
Geology (S260) is adequate preparation. The fieldwork at the school may be a little tough if you are unused to exercise outdoors, so it would be a sensible idea to go for a few good walks beforehand.
Qualifications
SXR260 is an optional course in our
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
It can also count for 10 points towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant award descriptions for information on the circumstances in which the course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements of a qualification may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
For the fieldwork you need to observe and interpret large-scale landscape features and small-scale features of rocks and fossils, while in the laboratory there will be microscope and mapwork. Good visual acuity is required, therefore, and preferably the ability to distinguish colours. Coach trips to field localities are uninterrupted journeys of up to 90 minutes each way.
The majority of practical work is carried on out field trips to a number of geological sites which by their very nature are not easily accessible to wheelchairs or to students with restricted mobility. Students who experience pain and fatigue or have other concerns due to a medical condition may also find the fieldwork extremely challenging – or even unsafe. Such students are strongly advised to attend during the specially adapted weeks (dates to be confirmed). During these, a higher level of support is provided and more accessible sites are offered. Please ask for advice from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service, the Disability Resources Team or from the SXR260 course manager, telephone (01908) 654809. After you have registered you will receive detailed information about the residential school sites and the facilities available to help you with the academic programme. The materials for the course are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format as well as in comb-bound format. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklets Meeting Your Needs and Meeting your residential school needs, which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course book and other printed materials; course website.
You will need
Outdoor clothing suitable for inclement weather, and strong footwear. Specialist equipment for the fieldwork will be provided.
British Geological Survey: Geological Survey Ten-mile Maps 1:625000 Britain, North and South sheets (third and fourth editions are acceptable, but you should ensure that you purchase the Solid, and not Drift/Quaternary editions), Ordnance Survey, £7.50 each or £15 for two with special order form (see below).
You will need these maps from the beginning of the course, so you must buy them in good time. If you are taking S260, or have taken S260, you should already have them. To be sure that you have the right editions you should order them by post, with the special order form in the first course mailing, from Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA (mark envelope Map Order Form). If you need to buy the maps well in advance you can get an order form from the course secretary, telephone (01908) 652883.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
At the residential week you will have a tutor who will give you advice and support. No other tutorial support is provided.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
There are two computer-marked assignments (CMAs), one to be completed at the end of the residential week and a second at the end of the course in September. To pass the course you must pass this assessment, as well as participating satisfactorily in the fieldwork, project and other activities at the school.
Professional recognition
Geoscience students are currently entitled to apply for Candidate Fellowship of the Geological Society.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May 2009 and May 2010. We expect it to be available once a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
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Student Reviews
This is a fantastic course, although rather an exhausting week. It really brings the geology in the accompanying S260 course ...
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If you like practical geology and coach travel this is the course for you. A very full week with enthusiastic ...
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