The Earth in My Pocket: an Introduction to Geology

FutureLearn The Earth in My Pocket: an Introduction to Geology

Platform
FutureLearn
Provider
The Open University
Effort
3 hours/week
Length
4 weeks
Language
English
Cost
Free
Credentials
Paid Certificate Available
Course Link
Overview
Get an introduction to geological processes
Everything we use that has not been grown either contains or relies on materials that have been sourced by a geologist.

On this online course, you will discover the link between volcanoes and your mobile phone, or why tiny marine wildlife is at the core of the plastics industry.

You will explore basic geological processes, focusing on how, where and why different rocks and natural resources form across the Earth.

You will also look at some of the environmental and sustainability considerations that geologists need to take into account when extracting and processing these resources.

The course is open to anyone with an interest in geology and the natural environment. It will be particularly useful for anyone considering an environmental science degree course or teachers who are looking for additional geology and geography resources to use in the classroom.

You will need a camera capable of taking a digital photo – a smart phone is fine. You will also need a Flickr account – this is free and easy to use.

What topics will you cover?
  • Identifying igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
  • The rock cycle
  • Plate tectonics
  • Sources of metals and some of their uses in everyday life
  • The origins, exploration and uses of oil
  • Environmental impacts of using the Earth’s resources
  • Some methods of mitigating environmental issues
Taught by
Anne Jay & Marcus Badger
Author
FutureLearn
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