Course Details in 2027/28 Session

Module Title	LM Tectonic and Volcanic Processes
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 36414
Module Lead	Tim Reston
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-25 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-20 hours Guided independent study-150 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding, extensively informed by research being carried out in Birmingham, of the latest understanding of the processes of plate motion, continental extension and break-up, plate-boundary deformation, mantle melting, and magma transport, storage and eruption processes. These processes are illustrated with case studies from mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, continental margins and sedimentary basins, providing students with hands on experience of active research methods. Emphasis is placed on the latest developments in joint interpretation of geophysical, geochemical and modelling datasets and in the understanding of the limitations of these data. Processes underpinning volcanism and controlling eruption styles are investigated through current methods based on physical and petrological interpretation of volcanic products. At Level M, a greater depth of understanding is required than at Level H.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Critically evaluate the key steps in the evolution of plate tectonic theory from continental drift through seafloor spreading, the recognition of the importance of transforms faults, the discovery of subduction zones, through to the rigorous current framework of rigid plates driven by internal forces. Compare and critically evaluate the latest research (including that at Birmingham) into the key tectonic and magmatic processes occurring at plate margins (incipient, divergent, convergent, transform), from rifting to breakup (rifted margin formation) to seafloor spreading to subduction initiation to fully-fledged subduction Apply appropriate research-level techniques to the state-of-the-science analysis of geological, petrological, geophysical and volcanological data to further understanding of tectonic, magmatic and volcanic processes Detail how tectonic, magmatic and volcanological processes are linked in the cohesive framework of plate tectonics to provide a unified view of the processes affecting our planet.
Assessment	36414-01 : Assessment 1: Tectonics (30%) : Coursework (30%) 36414-02 : Assessment 2 (30%) : Coursework (30%) 36414-03 : Exam (40%) : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (40%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 40% Practical-based coursework exercise; 60% 2 hr unseen examination, based on short- and long-answer questions Reassessment: By submission of failed components
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