Geology

Course Outline

There are 9 lessons in this course: 

1. Introduction 
2. Types of Rocks 
3. Structural Geology 
4. Types of Minerals 
5. Geobiology 
6. Geophysics 
7. Geochemistry 
8. Groundwater Hydrology 
9. Applied Geology

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. 

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. These things are some of society’s most important problems and lead to climate change and natural hazards like earthquakes, floods and volcanoes.

As such, 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.

If you’re the type of person that’s interested in the processes that shape our Earth’s surfaces, then geology is an exciting career choice and employment opportunities are very good. 

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)

Potential career paths: 

• Mining, oil and gas 
• Minerals and water resources 
• Petroleum and mining companies 
• Civil engineering 
• Material tester 
• Business Development 
• Geoscience 

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.

Assessment type:

You will learn a variety of things, through a combination of reading, interacting with  tutors, undertaking research and watching videos. Each lesson culminates in an  assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned  to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading. 

Work experience:

While you are studying, we advise that you try to get as much work experience as  possible – even if it is not a requirement of your course. This will not only increase your  job opportunities, but also build your confidence and build a network of support.