MODULE TITLE Advanced Geoscientific Software and Data Management CREDIT VALUE 15

MODULE CODE CSMM192 MODULE CONVENER Unknown

DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Geoscientific data management is an essential skill set any geoscientist should develop whether you are employed in mining, environmental or research-related
fields. Recent developments in GIS data capture using smartphone apps allow geoscientists to streamline data capture in the field and later to manipulate and
share the data within an organisation.
The module therefore aims to introduce geological (mapping and sampling) data management workflows comprising simple to advanced excel databases as well
as the usage of tailored GIS smartphone apps.
This is a coursework and independent study-heavy module that allows you to practically learn and familiarise with data management principles.
This course builds upon CSMM189 (GIS and Remote Sensing) and uses material and learnings from CSMM194 (Exploration and Mining Geology).
AIMS - intentions of the module
The module introduces and develops basic and innovative geological data management skills that can be applied in different geoscientific disciplines. Practical
examples of geological workflows in mineral exploration outline the data management process, consisting of data collection in the field, editing, manipulation and
sharing of data within an organisation. Developing databases and apps allow the student to experience and assess first-hand the importance of data
management and diligence that are required for further technical and financial decision-making. A particular focus of the module will be to link geological
databases with mobile apps in order to facilitate and support traditional sampling tasks in the field.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module you should be able to :
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. Understand geological data management methods, in particular databases and the integration with GIS software packages
2. Confidently use MS Excel, ArcGIS and other software packages, including smartphone apps
3. Handle spatial data and generate maps, databases and interpretations for geological and general management
4. Develop a geological database and applied this to practical problems in mineral exploration and other areas
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
5. Demonstrate a systematic understanding, and a critical awareness of the use of geological databases for the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and
presentation of geo-scientific data relevant to applied geological disciplines.
6. Understand how “clean” datasets look like and why this is crucial in geological and financial decision-making processes
7. Develop the ability to review geoscientific workflows (e.g. field mapping and sampling) and develop tailored database and data management solutions to
solve a specific geological problem.
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
8. Select and utilise a full range of online learning resources and software packages to analyse, synthesise and interpret a data-related geological problem.
9. Apply modern technology and software to provide a solution to a traditional geological problem
10. Develop essential and innovative software skills highly sought after by future employers

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
After a general introduction and brainstorming session on geological databases, field sampling strategies and data management principles, you will independently
(guidance and drop-in sessions provided) work on setting up a tailored geological database in MS Excel. This database will subsequently be used in mobile GIS
apps and tested in the field during a data collection campaign.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 10.00 Guided Independent Study 140.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Hours of study
Category Description
time
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Introductory lectures and practicals. Focus will be on developing computing skills and familiarisation with
10
activities industry standard software.
Guided independent study 40 Coursework with continous help and guidance from CSM staff.

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Drop-in sessions and regularly scheduled group meetings Variable 1-10 Verbal

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Database Delivery 60 5,000 words equivalent 1-10 Written/Verbal
Final Database and App Development Report 40 3,500 words equivalent 1-10 Written/Verbal
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Database Delivery Database Delivery 1-10 Ref/ Def period
Final Database and App Development Report Final Database and App Development Report 1-10 Ref/ Def period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
All referral marks are capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
A list of web resources and academic papers are available through ELE. In addition, the course site contains comprehensive online resources including lectures,
PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and links to the University of
Exeter electronic library and its comprehensive resources.
Web based and Electronic Resources:
Module is largely delivered by a dedicated ELE website that also involves links to external corporate, professional, educational websites and YouTube.
http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/Gisdictionary/browse (useful GIS dictionary provided by ESRI)
http://resources.arcgis.com (useful website for ArcGIS forums, online help and support)
http://help.arcgis.com/ (another useful ArcGIS online help website)
Other Resources:
The site will have additional literature resources from external professional bodies, technical guides and manuals and use of company annual reports.
Reading list for this module:
Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists: Modelling
Set Bonham-Carter, G. F. Pergamon 1994 [Library]
with GIS
Set Carranza Geochemical Anomaly and Mineral Prospectivity Mapping in GIS 1st Elsevier 2008 [Library]
Geologically-Constrained Mineral Potential Mapping. Examples . ITC Publication No.
Set Carranza 2002 [Library]
from the Philippines 80, 496p.
Moon, C.J., Whateley, M.K.G., Evans,
Set Introduction to Mineral Exploration Electronic Blackwell Science 2006 [Library]
A.M. (eds)
Set Marjoribanks, R. Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining 2nd Chapman & Hall 2010 [Library]

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSMM189

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No

ORIGIN DATE Thursday 06 July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 07 August 2017

KEY WORDS SEARCH Mineral, exploration, ore, deposits, geology, exploration, GIS, sensing, cartography, apps,