Dynamic Earth and planets

Module Description

This module demonstrates to the learner the working of the Earth as a planet (geodynamics) and introduces the other planets of the solar system and how they differ from the Earth. Students will learn the internal structure of the Earth (crust, mantle, and core), the way it convects, how it loses heat, and how this is manifested in plate tectonics. The evolution of the Earth over its 4.6 billion-year history and the nature of continents and continental accretion will be linked to basic seismology, analysis of plate motions, hotspots and plate kinematics, and hazard and risk mapping. Special attention will be given to the geodynamics of the Maltese Islands and surrounding continental shelf, siesimic deformation of the lithosphere, and associated earthquakes and volcanoes.

Target Audience

This program caters to individuals interested in enhancing their academic and professional understanding of Geology and Earth Sciences.

Persons seeking to or working in:

• advance their academic and professional knowledge of Geology and Earth Sciences;
• advance their academic and professional knowledge of rocks, namely, classification, testing, and use in industry;
• the construction and quarrying industry;
• pursue a career in Geology and Earth Sciences;
• geotechnical laboratories seeking to advance their knowledge and position.

Career Paths

The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be and are not limited to:

• Professional Geologist
• Geological technician
• Manager of geotechnical laboratory
• Consultancy
• Court Expert
• Environmental auditor and Environmental Impact Assessment expert

How you’ll be assessed

The programme comprises a total of 8 modules. The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

•  Lectures per module depending on the number of ECTS (twice a week);
• 3-hour lectures;
• 12 hours of guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos;
• Assessment may consist of field work carried out in specific location/s in the Maltese Island;
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.