Outlines: The Earth’s crust hosts mineral and energy resources that have sustained our civilisation over the past five thousand years. These resources are formed along plate boundaries and in sedimentary basins.  They are the by-products of dynamic and thermal processes that have affected the lithosphere since its formation in the Archaean. 

This unit focuses on the understanding the thermal and mechanical aspects of lithospheric deformation and basin formation and evolution.  The main topics of this module include: Mantle convection, Oceanic lithospheric evolution, Heat transfer in the lithosphere; Isostasy and vertical motion of the earth's surface; Plate boundaries, body forces and the dynamic of the Earth's lithosphere; Rheology of the lithosphere; Continental break-up and the formation of continental margins and basins; Thermo-mechanics of sedimentary basins; Thermo-mechanics of orogenesis; Thermal consequences and tectonic feedback of geodynamic processes. 

Practical classes are designed to enhance computational and communication skills as well as building a profound knowledge in Tectonics and Geodynamics.  The course is relevant to all students interested in using computational methods to learn how the Earth works.

Links with other courses: geos 3003 examines the structure and dynamic of continental areas. It therefore provides the necessary background knowledge for geos 3008: Field Geology in High-Grade Rocks. It is a very good complement to geos 3007: Remote Sensing-Imaging the Earth.

Enjoy,
Patrice & Dietmar		 Assignments: Competences are assessed throughout the duration of the semestre.
Participation: 15% consists of
 · active engagement in study groups
 · participation in lectures (questions, comments, etc.)
 · participation in the geos3003 blog discussion forums

Practical Exercises 30%,
Students are encouraged to work in groups and discuss their results on geos3003 blog.  However reports on practical exercises must be the work of each individual student. When appropriate, each report must include an analysis of the problem, a brief summary of the background knowledge involved in its resolution, a description of the methodology used to solve it, a reflection on the meaning of the results.

E.Report 55% (EReport: 75%, oral presentation 25%). This is a group (2-3 students) assignment. Each group will design one Electronic Reports, on the topic of its choice, in a format compatible with Internet.  E.Reports must be worth at least 30 hours of work per student.  These 30 hours include the 15 normal contact hours and an additional 15 hours. The E.Reports will be assessed on their organisation, their navigability, the relevance of their contents and the quality of their illustrations.  Each E.Report will be presented to the class using a computer-based presentation.

NB: For all assignments 20% are allocated to the clarity and neatness of the presentation, explanations and illustrations.

Rules: For any given week, all practicals and reports are due on the following Wednesday practical time.  A penalty of 5% per day will be enforced unless a medical certificated is provided.

Schedules: Semestre 1: Lectures: Mondays and Wesdnesdays 10 to 11 am; Practical Wesdnesday 1 to 4 pm. Teaching Lab. Baxter Building H11, Codingtron Street.
ASSESSMENT STANDARD AND GRADE DESCRIPTORS

Assessment focuses on meaningful understanding and rewards student committed to produce their best effort. Indeed, the simple fact to be able to give the right answer, reproduce a result or a reasoning is not enough to achieve the highest grade.

High Distinction (>85%): Students must demonstrate a profound understanding of all the concepts presented in this course and how these concepts link with other courses. Reports on practical exercises must reflect a commitment to excellence and demonstrate critical thinking. The presentation and organisation of these reports must be of the highest standard, the results being clearly explained and the basic concepts used to solve the problems clearly described. At that level students must demonstrate their willingness to further explore some of the issues relevant to the course. For instance by proposing detailed investigation or innovative solution to practical exercises. They must be active participant in the class and show leadership. The accuracy, clarity and neatness of their E.Report must be flawless. The grammar and must be correct and the reports must be nicely illustrated. At that level E.Report must include a detailed reference list (including reference to Internet Resources) and a detailed glossary.

Distinction (75-84%): Students must demonstrate a robust understanding of all the concepts presented in this course. Reports on practical exercises but reflect a commitment to excellence. The presentation and organisation of these reports must be of the high standard, the results being clearly explained the basic concepts used to solve the problems clearly described. At that level students must be active participant in the class. At that level E.Reports must be accurate, clearly written and adequately illustrated. The grammar and must be correct and the reports must be nicely illustrated. At that level E.Report must include a detailed reference list and a detailed glossary.

Credit (65-74%): Students must demonstrate a robust understanding of most concepts presented in this course. Reports on practical exercises but reflect a commitment to quality. These reports must be clearly presented and organised. The results being clearly explained the basic concepts used to solve the problems clearly described. At that level E.Reports must be accurate, clearly written and adequately illustrated. The grammar and must be correct and the reports must be nicely illustrated.

Pass (50-64%): Students must demonstrate a working knowledge of the main concepts presented in this course. Reports on practical exercises must be well presented and organised. The results being explained the basic concepts used to solve the problems described. At that level E.Reports must be accurate, clearly written and sufficiently illustrated.

Fail (<50%): Beside paying your enrollment fees nothing else is required to reach that grade, by far the easiest grade to obtain...