The Earth in My Pocket: an Introduction to Geology
Everything we use that has not been grown either contains or relies on materials that have been sourced by a geoscientist. Whether we are standing out in the wilderness, in the middle of a city or in our home, geology and the Earth’s natural resources are all around us, forming an integral part of our everyday lives.
During this free online course, you will discover the link between the ocean floor, volcanoes and your mobile phone; why tiny marine plants and animals are at the core of the plastics industry; and how colliding continents and mountain building processes influence the appearance of many buildings and numerous kitchen worktops.
Get an introduction to geological processes
The course will introduce you to some basic geological processes, focusing on ‘how, where and why’ different rocks and natural resources form across the Earth. You will look at some of the considerations geologists need to take into account when extracting and processing these resources.
You will not only consider the environmental consequences of natural resource extraction and usage, but also the innovative ways that geoscientists are finding to fix some of these problems.
Consider what sustainability means for geologists
The course will make you aware of the considerations that geologists need to take into account when extracting and processing rocks and natural resources.
You will consider what sustainability means for natural resources, how social trends affect the supply and demand of different resources, and the impact this is having both on the environment and the global economy.
The course will help you reassess and appreciate the wide variety of natural resources that surround you all of the time.
REQUIREMENTS
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.
For more information click "Further official information" below.