Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
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EASC3403 Sedimentary environments (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Earth and Planetary Sciences Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof N R McKenzie, Earth and Planetary Sciences < ryan00@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof J Michalski,Earth and Planetary Sciences)
(Prof N R McKenzie,Earth and Planetary Sciences)
Course Objectives This course discusses the origin, diagenesis, classification and economic importance of sedimentary rocks. Students will learn features and processes of sedimentary geology, paleontology and depositional processes.
Course Contents & Topics - Overview of sedimentary geology
- Physics of erosion, transportation and sedimentation
- Sedimentary structures
- Depositional environments (non-marine)
- Depositional environments (marine)
- Sequence stratigraphy
- Basin analysis
- Sedimentary environment around Hong Kong
- Sedimentary environment on Mars
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe the nature and significance of sedimentary features and structures
CLO 2 identify carbonate and siliciclastic rocks in hand sample
CLO 3 describe the facies in a depositional environment
CLO 4 undertake detailed study of a stratigraphic section in the field
CLO 5 conduct basic observations and interpretations from outcrops
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in EASC2402 or EASC3402
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Earth System Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Earth Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Earth System Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Earth Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Earth System Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Earth Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Earth System Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Earth Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Earth System Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Earth Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 1,2 >
2025 Major in Geology < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 1,2 >
2024 Major in Geology < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 1,2 >
2023 Major in Geology < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 1,2 >
2022 Major in Geology < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 1,2 >
2021 Major in Geology < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 N        Examination
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough grasp of the subject. Show strong analytical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought. Apply highly effective lab/fieldwork skills and techniques. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial grasp of the subject. Show strong analytical abilities and logical thinking. Apply effective lab/fieldwork skills and techniques. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete grasp of the subject. Show some analytical abilities and logical thinking. Apply moderately effective lab/fieldwork skills and techniques. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited grasp of the subject. Show some analytical abilities and logical thinking. Apply partially effective lab/fieldwork skills and techniques. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no grasp of the subject. Evidence of little or lack of analytical abilities and logical thinking. Apply minimally effective lab/fieldwork skills and techniques. Organization and presentational skills are ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Field work 1 day trip with field project 8.0
Laboratory 6 sessionsx 2 hours 12.0
Lectures 12 sessions x 2 hours 24.0
Project work Examples for sedimentary environments 12.0
Reading / Self study 90.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Examination In-class 40.0 1,2,3,4
Laboratory reports Labs and Field Exercise 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Presentation 10.0 3
Test Mid-term examination 30.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (Second Edition), Gary Nichols
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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