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ES5307 Global Resource Challenges

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr N J Gardiner

Dr N J Gardiner
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

James Rae, James Barnet, Nick Gardiner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Decarbonisation of the global energy system to combat anthropogenic global heating presents major challenges for society that Earth scientists are uniquely placed to address. Green energy technologies and low-carbon transport increase pressure on metal supply chains, particularly battery and critical metals, with geological, environmental, and geopolitical consequences. Carbon capture may help reduce atmospheric carbon, while geothermal energy is a low-carbon resource with potential for wider use. This module explores the role of geoscientists within these themes, covering the science alongside economic drivers of the resource industry; societal impacts, especially in developing nations; mining ethics; environmental challenges of mine development and operation; and remediation during and after closure. A field trip examines regional geology, mine drainage, and/or water chemistry.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PASSED ES3006 OR ENTRANCE TO AN EARTH SCIENCE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 2-hr lectures x 10 weeks, 4 days of fieldwork

Scheduled learning hours

72

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

87

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

ES5307 Global Resource Challenges

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr N J Gardiner

Dr N J Gardiner
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

James Rae, James Barnet, Nick Gardiner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The resource industry needs to develop and evolve during the 21st century to respond the new challenges of both a growing, developing global population, and the shift to a low-carbon economy. It is important that geoscientists planning on a career within the resource industry are both aware of these challenges, and the strategies to meet them. Accordingly, this unique module will focus on the 'bigger picture' around mining. It will cover key topics, which may include some of: the economic drivers behind the resource industry; societal issues especially with respect to developing nations; the ethical face of mining; environmental challenges in opening and operating a mining project, and remediation during and after closure. The course includes an environmentally-focused fieldtrip (conditions permitting) to study mine drainage issues and/or water chemistry.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PASSED ES3006 OR ENTRANCE TO AN EARTH SCIENCE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 2-hr lectures x 10 weeks, 4 days of fieldwork

Scheduled learning hours

72

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

87

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.