Geology
Volcanic eruptions, devastating earthquakes, dramatic mass movements and life changing tsunamis seem to becoming more the norm for the human race these days.
Natural resources are becoming scarce and the management and conservation of these resources is crucial. What better time is there to study and understand the dynamics and workings of our planet?
This will be a new and exciting course offered this year with more emphasis on fieldwork (minimum of four days) and practical work (with a minimum of 20 practical activities leading to a Practical Endorsement) over the two-year course.
There are three components which are set out as follows:
Fundamentals of Geology
- Elements, minerals and rocks
- Surface and internal processes – sedimentary and igneous
- Time and change – preservation and dating techniques
- Earth structure and global tectonics
Interpreting the Geological record
- Rock forming processes – rock cycle and volcanics
- Rock deformation – structures, folding and faulting
- Past life and past climates – fossils, extinctions and climate change
- Natural resources – metal deposits, oil, water, coal and exploration techniques
Geological themes
- Geohazards – seismic activity, mass movement, tsunamis, waste disposal and issues with contaminated land
- Geological maps – interpretation, cross sections and applications
- And one of the following: Quaternary geology, Evolution of Britain, or the geology of the lithosphere
