QA0S014 - Physical and Earth Sciences Fundamentals 01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2031 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | QA0S014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Physical and Earth Sciences Fundamentals | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | FBCI Faculty | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | FBCI Faculty | ||
| Module Leader: | Hannah Jones, Tracey May | ||
| Module Team: | Rachael Gidney, Laura Harridence | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2025 | Final Year of Intake: | 2030 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 3 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | |||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | |||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2031 |
Module Aims
The module aims to give students the opportunity to explore various methods and necessary skills required for physical and earth scientific thinking, techniques and experimental design in an enquiry-based way.
Content Summary
Students are encouraged to explore correlational and experimental methods, the role of statistics, scientific argumentation and ethical working practices in relation to current physical and earth science topics as outlined below and reflected in news reports, recent academic publications and historical case studies. Problem-based learning and blended learning approaches will facilitate deep, experiential learning. Indicative content of the module includes:
Physical Science
Units, measurement and errors. Atomic structure: atomic number, mass number and isotopes. Electronic structure of atoms. Stability of the nucleus. Radioactivity: alpha, beta and gamma - radiation. Hazards of radioactivity. Half life, exponential decay.
Heat and temperature, specific and latent heat. Kinetic theory. Gas laws and ideal gas equation. Graphical representation of the distribution of speeds of gas molecules at different temperatures. Vapour pressure and boiling point.
Light and spectroscopy: electromagnetic spectrum, absorption spectra and colour, Beer-Lambert law.
Conservation of energy. Enthalpy changes of reaction and changes of state. Standard molar enthalpy of formation, ?H? Hess's law:?H??as a qualitative indication of the stability of a compound. Calculation of enthalpy changes from experimental data.
Factors affecting rate of reaction, obtaining and analysing rate data; rate equations; orders of reaction; concept of activation energy; the effect of temperature on reaction rates; catalysts as providers of faster rates.
Chemical equilibria: reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium; equilibrium constants and their meaning.
The rock cycle: weathering, erosion and transport leading to the formation of sediments and different types of soil; the contribution of plate tectonics to the recycling of rocks.
Foundations of Earth Science
Introduction to rocks, minerals and fossils
Using rocks and fossils to discover and understand the history of the Earth and life on Earth
Introduction to plate tectonics
Introduction to rocks and hydrocarbons
Introduction to rocks and water
Climates in earth history
Geology of other planets
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 60 |
| Independent Study | 70 |
| Direct Study (including online independent learning) | 60 |
| Formative Assessment (scheduled) | 5 |
| Formative Assessment - Independent | 5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Understand the origins of both the physical and earth sciences, and demonstrate the ability to evaluate sources of evidence and scientific arguments and understand the requirements and procedures for working safely in laboratory and field work environments. |
| LO2 | Understand the main principles underpinning the physical sciences and be able to demonstrate and comprehend the use and?importance of quoting correct units and assessing experimental errors when making physical measurements. |
| LO3 | Identify and describe key geological processes and understand the role that geology plays in the search for and extraction of natural resources. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Assessment (EX) | Presentation (EX) 1 | Students plan, prepare and deliver a group presentation on a topic covered during the module | 10 | N/A | 40 | No | 40 |
| Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) | Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 | Students will undertake two class tests covering the module description and context | 45 | N/A | 60 | No | 38 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | LO3 | |
| Presentation (EX) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |