| CODE | GSC1005 | ||||||
| TITLE | Mathematics for Geoscientists | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces geoscientists to essential mathematical concepts and techniques used to analyze, model, and interpret natural processes. Focusing on applications relevant to geoscience, the unit covers topics such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Students will learn how to apply these tools to solve real-world problems, including hydrodynamics, atmospheric modeling, seismic analysis, and geospatial data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on fostering a practical understanding of mathematics in geoscientific contexts. Hands-on exercises, case studies, and computational tools will bridge theory and application, ensuring students develop critical skills for tackling complex geophysical challenges. Study-Unit Aims: - Familiarize students with core mathematical concepts essential for geosciences, emphasizing vectors, matrices, calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. - Demonstrate the application of these mathematical tools in describing, modeling, and interpreting geophysical processes, including fluid dynamics, seismic activity, and geospatial data analysis. - Cultivate practical problem-solving skills using both analytical techniques and computational tools tailored to geoscientific challenges. - Equip students with a versatile mathematical foundation to support advanced studies, interdisciplinary research, and professional practice in geosciences. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the mathematical principles of vectors, matrices, calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, and their relevance to geoscientific phenomena. - Identify and formulate mathematical models to represent geophysical processes, such as ocean dynamics, atmospheric systems, and tectonic movements. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Perform vector operations and apply them to problems in fields such as fluid mechanics and geospatial analysis. - Utilize calculus techniques to solve problems related to rates of change and integrals in geophysical contexts, including energy balance and transport phenomena. - Apply linear algebra concepts, including matrix operations and eigenvalues, to analyze systems such as geophysical inversions and seismic tomography. - Manipulate and utilize matrices in solving linear systems, transformations, and geophysical modeling tasks. - Solve ordinary and partial differential equations to model time-dependent and spatially varying geophysical processes. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Fleurant , C. & Bodin-Fleurant, S. 2019. Mathematics for Earth Science and Geography Introductory Course with Practical Exercises and R/Xcas Resources. Springer. ISBN 978-3-319-69242-5. Supplementary Readings: - Palmer, P, I. 2014. Essential Maths for Geoscientists: An Introduction. Wiley. ISBN-13: 978-0470971949. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Anthony Galea |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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