Main Description:
Geology is a science with many practical applications, from mining to farming, construction and environmental management.
Any changes that are made to the geology of a site should be made with knowledge of the potential impact of such changes.
Environmental assessments and geological survey are often appropriate, and even legally required tasks that need to be carried out before a site is used for a purpose different to, or beyond its current purpose.
Course Structure:
There are 9 lessons in this course:
- Introduction
- Types of Rocks
- Structural Geology
- Types of Minerals
- Geobiology
- Geophysics
- Geochemistry
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Applied Geology
Aims:
Explain the nature and scope of geology and concepts that underpin the science of geology.
Differentiate between rock types.
Explain the scope, nature and application of structural geology in today’s world.
Differentiate between different minerals.
Explain the scope, nature and application of geophysics in today’s world.
Explain the scope, nature and application of geobiology in today’s world.
Explain the nature of chemical change that can occur in the geology of a site.
Explain the nature and significance of groundwater on different sites.
Explain different practical applications for a knowledge of geology.
Geology is the study of the earth, the rocks, the materials from which the earth is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes which cause them to change over time. It is concerned with the structure of the earth at both the surface level and beneath the surface.
Geology also overlaps with other earth sciences like hydrology and climate science. An understanding of geology not only helps us to understand the historical context of the earth’s materials and formation but also uses that knowledge to help inform us about what we might expect in the future.
Studying geology has practical relevance in the real world in diverse ways, for example:
Understanding and managing groundwater
Informing us how to appropriately manage mining
Providing insight into geologic natural hazards e.g. landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
Understanding and predicting seismic activity
Determining appropriate engineering work e.g. in construction of dams, infrastructure, buildings
Helping to locate underground deposits of specific rocks and minerals
Enabling knowledge of the effects of past episodes of climate change on the earth
Adding to our knowledge of how the earth formed and plate tectonics (movement of the plates on the earth’s crust)
Related courses (if any):
How Does a Warnborough Online Course Work?
You can start this course at any time you like. Once you have enrolled, you will be given access to our online learning system where you can view or download the lessons to your PC, tablet or other device.
There are self-assessment tests at the end of each unit so you can check if you understood the lesson. You can attempt these as many times as you like, and the results will be displayed once you have completed. You must be connected to the Internet for these tests to work. Practical exercises and research tasks will be set at the end of each lesson – including an assignment. You will submit this assignment to your course tutor, who will mark your work and give you constructive feedback and suggestions.
At the end of the course, you can apply to do a final assessment. This may be an examination or a major project. You will receive the credits and a certificate of completion if you pass. If you have any questions, please contact us.
