Resource Evaluation
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 66 pages
- 9 units
This course on Resource Evaluation provides an overview of the methods and techniques used to evaluate natural resources. It covers physical and economic methods, including market price, income, and cost approaches. The course also explores geomorphological techniques such as geomorphometry and seismic methods, as well as electrical and electromagnetic methods. Students will learn about solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, and landscape evolution modeling, equipping them with the skills to assess and manage resources effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ESM422, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ESM422 · Unit 1 Meaning and Classification
In this unit, the meaning of resource evaluation shall be considered. This is aimed at giving the students wider understanding of what resource evaluation really is. Also, the methods of resource evaluation which can be broadly divided into two approaches namely, the physical approaches and the economic methods. Issues surrounding these are discussed in this unit.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the meaning and scope of resource evaluation.
- Apply physical and economic methods to evaluate resources.
- Analyze geomorphological techniques relevant to resource evaluation.
- Interpret seismic data for subsurface resource assessment.
- Model landscape evolution using numerical techniques.
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Consultant
- Resource Manager
- Geophysicist
- Land Surveyor
- Environmental Impact Assessor
- Mining
- Petroleum
- Environmental Management
- Land Development
- Geological Surveying
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Methods of Resources Evaluation
Unit 3: Economic Methods of Resource Evaluation/Analysis
Net Present Value (NPV) calculations require understanding of financial concepts and forecasting future income streams, which can be challenging for students without a strong background in economics.
- Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 3: Seismic Techniques
Seismic reflection methods involve complex wave propagation physics and require sophisticated data processing techniques, making it difficult to interpret subsurface structures accurately.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Resources Evaluation
Unit 1: Meaning and Classification · 2 hours
Read the introduction to understand the scope of resource evaluation.. Define resource evaluation and its importance in development planning.. Distinguish between physical and economic methods of resource evaluation..
- Week 2Module 2: Types of Resources Evaluation
Unit 2: Physical Methods of Resource Evaluation · 2 hours
Study the market price approach and its advantages.. Understand the limitations of using market prices for environmental assets.. Identify examples of resources valued using the market price approach..
- Week 3Module 3: Methods of Resources Evaluation
Unit 3: Economic Methods of Resource Evaluation/Analysis · 2 hours
Examine the income approach and its various methods (Net Price, El Serafy, NPV).. Compare and contrast the Net Price, El Serafy, and Net Present Value (NPV) methods.. Analyze the limitations of each method and their applicability..
- Week 4Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 1: Introduction and Overview · 2 hours
Review the introduction to geomorphological techniques.. Understand the relevance of geomorphology in resource evaluation.. Define quantitative geomorphology and its significance..
- Week 5Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 2: Geomorphometry · 2 hours
Explore the principles of geomorphometry.. Understand the role of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) in geomorphometry.. Learn about the steps involved in geomorphometric analysis..
- Week 6Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 3: Seismic Techniques · 2 hours
Study seismic refraction techniques and Snell's Law.. Differentiate between P-wave and S-wave refraction.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of refraction methods..
- Week 7Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 4: Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods · 2 hours
Understand the principles of reflection seismology.. Learn about seismic impedance and reflection coefficients.. Explore the environmental impact of seismic surveys..
- Week 8Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 5: Solid Mechanics · 2 hours
Define solid mechanics and its application to soil as an engineering material.. Understand the mechanical properties of soil.. Explore the interaction of structures with foundation material..
- Week 9Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 6: Fluid dynamics · 2 hours
Define fluid dynamics and hydrodynamics.. Understand the application of fluid dynamics in geomorphology.. Learn about the properties of fluids and their behavior in motion..
- Week 10Module 4: Geomorphological Techniques
Unit 7: Landscape evolution modeling · 2 hours
Explore landscape evolution modeling and its components.. Understand the factors influencing terrain change.. Learn about the application of landscape evolution models in geomorphology..
- Week 11Module 5: Resource Processes
Unit 1: Meaning and Classification · 2 hours
Review resource processes.. Understand the different types of resource processes.. Explore the impact of resource processes on the environment..
- Week 12Review
Comprehensive Course Review · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and definitions.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..
- Week 13Review
Assignment and Exam Preparation · 4 hours
Practice applying resource evaluation methods.. Work on assignments and TMAs.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from each unit.
- Practice applying different resource evaluation methods with case studies.
- Focus on understanding the principles behind geomorphological techniques.
- Create concept maps linking seismic techniques to subsurface assessment.
- Solve numerical problems related to economic evaluation methods.
- Study past examination papers to understand the question format.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice questions.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ESM422 about?
This course on Resource Evaluation provides an overview of the methods and techniques used to evaluate natural resources. It covers physical and economic methods, including market price, income, and cost approaches. The course also explores geomorphological techniques such as geomorphometry and seismic methods, as well as electrical and electromagnetic methods. Students will learn about solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, and landscape evolution modeling, equipping them with the skills to assess and manage resources effectively.
How many units does ESM422 have?
ESM422, Resource Evaluation, has 9 units across 2 modules, over 66 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ESM422?
ESM422 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is ESM422 hard?
ESM422 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and problem solving work.
How long does ESM422 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 9 units.
How is ESM422 assessed?
ESM422 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ESM422?
Environmental Consultant, Resource Manager, Geophysicist, Land Surveyor and Environmental Impact Assessor.