COURSE STRUCTURE

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1.  Introduction To Geology

• Methodology
• Applications Of Geology
• Basic Chemistry Of Rocks
• Rocks And Minerals
• Building Blocks
• Minerals & Mineraloids
• Formation Of Minerals
• Other Related Processes
• Introduction To Mineral Groups
• Silicates
• Non-Silicate Minerals

2..Types Of Rocks

• Igneous Rocks
• Sedimentary Rocks
• Metamorphic Rocks
• Mineral Classification And Crystal Structure
• Simplified Review Of Pauling’s Rules On Crystal Structures
• Geological Environments And Mineral Formation
• Igneous Minerals
• Metamorphic Minerals
• Sedimentary Minerals
• Hydrothermal Minerals

3.  Structural Geology

• Tectonics And Geodynamics
• Tectonics
• Geodynamics
• Features Of Structural Geology
• Fractures And Faults
• Folds
• Boudins
• Foliations And Lineations
• Describing Structures In Geology
• Designing Tectonic Models
• Measurements
• Data Acquisition: Field Geology
• Data Synthesis And Analysis
• Geological Maps And Cross Sections
• Tectonic Maps And Structural Profiles
• Structural Sketch-Maps
• Block Diagrams/Tectonograms
• Validating Models

4.  Minerals

• Identifying Minerals
• Mineral Classification
• Silicate Minerals
• Orthosilicates
• Sorosilicates
• Cyclosilicates
• Tectosilicates
• Inosilicates
• Phyllosilicates
• Non-Silicate Minerals
• Native Elements

5.  Geobiology

• Earth’s Gases And Metabolic Diversity Of Organisms
• Metabolic Approaches
• Oxygen-Producing (Photosynthetic) Bacteria
• Greenhouse Gases
• Biophysical Soil Processes
• Soil Chemical Environment
• Soil Microbiome
• Soil Biology
• Influence Of Soil
• Underwater Bio-Physical Processes
• Coral Reef Formation

6.  Geophysics

• Seismology
• Tectonics
• Hydrology
• Glaciology
• Geothermometry
• Geomagnetometry
• Petrophysics
• Mineral Physics
• Geodesy
• Geodynamics
• Plate Tectonics Theory
• Plate Boundaries
• Divergent Boundaries
• Convergent Boundaries
• Transform Faults Boundaries
• Nano Tectonics

7.  Geochemistry

• Geochemistry Sub-Disciplines
• Analytical Geochemistry
• Elements And Isotopes
• Isotope Geochemistry
• Radiocarbon Dating
• Low-Temperature Geochemistry
• Organic Geochemistry
• Geochemical Cycles
• Interactions Between The Earth’s Layers
• Separation And Concentration Of Elements
• Moving And Mixing The Earth
• Evolution Of The Earth’s Atmosphere
• The Nitrogen Cycle
• The Oxygen Cycle
• The Carbon Cycle
• Fractionation
• Health Impacts

8.  Groundwater Hydrology

• Estimated Global Groundwater Resources
• Types Of Groundwater
• Occurrence Of Groundwater
• Infiltration Of Water
• Depth To Groundwater
• Aquifers
• Types Of Aquifers
• Confined Aquifer
• Unconfined Aquifer
• Semi-Confined Aquifer
• Perched Aquifer
• Properties And Parameters Of Aquifers
• Glacio Hydrogeology

9.  Applied Geology

• Groundwater Management
• Mining
• Engineering
• Geotourism
• Geological Surveys
  
   

Learn Not only Theory, but Practical Applications of Geology

Mining
Knowing the geology of an area informs us about mining operations. It can help us determine not only what products might be extracted but also where and how they should be extracted, and what measures should be undertaken in order to alleviate risks in the process. The mining process from a geological perspective encompasses all aspects and phases of the mining process from initial prospecting to mine rehabilitation. 

Engineering
The geology of an area impacts what can be built on the area. If ground is not stable, engineered construction (e.g. pipelines, buildings, roads, bridges) which are built over them, are at risk. The field of applying geological methodology to engineering is termed as engineering geology. Engineering geology is the application of geological data, principles and techniques to the study of engineering. The purpose being to assure that geological factors regarding location, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of fixed works are recognised and accounted for in all engineering phases and aspects

Geological Surveys
A geological survey is a systematic investigation of the geology pertaining to a particular area with the primary purpose of creating a geological map/model and subsequently understanding the formation processes involved. Geological surveys form the basis of understanding the geology of an area or region as well as identifying significant deposits (i.e. ore bodies). They incorporate a number of techniques including extrusive surveys, intrusive methods as well as the use of geophysical techniques and processes. While some survey techniques might only be particular to a specific type study being conducted, most surveys will incorporate some form or use of all techniques to be discussed.

Water Management
Hydrogeologists are involved in solving some of the major challenges the world is currently facing, including sustainable water supply, food and energy production, environmental protection, and coping with climate change. The study of groundwater hydrology can be rather complex. Groundwater does not always follow the surface topography. It follows pressure gradients - flowing from high pressure to low. Groundwater hydrology focuses on determining:

• How water enters the ground (recharge).
• How groundwater moves within the earth’s crust through aquifers.
•  How groundwater interacts with the surrounding soil and rock.
  
  

Structural Geology
Structural geologists study geological structures to determine (or at least infer) changes; both on a small or large scale. They may be observing rock on a microscopic scale or could be making observations over tens or even hundreds of metres.

Structural geology is important in:

• Hydrocarbon and mineral exploration.
• Regional geophysical and geochemical surveys aiming at identifying new mineralized provinces.
• Interpretation of geophysical, geochemical, and geochronological data.
• Guiding the mining process.
• Geotechnical site assessment for bridges, dams, tunnels, nuclear reactors, waste disposals etc.  
• Earthquake prevention and earthquake seismology.
• Study of past and present mountain belts and sedimentary basins.

COURSE 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.

Discover 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 is a science with many practical applications, from mining to farming, construction and environmental management.

• Rocks & minerals.

• Structural geology, geobiology, geophysics, geochemistry.

• Groundwater hydrology.

• Applied geology and geological surveying.

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.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Tour Guides - Geotourism, Ecotourism

Prospectors

Environmental Assessors

People working in relevant industries as a gap filler or refresher course (e.g. Engineering, environmental industries, mining, paleontology, etc)

Anyone with a passion for rocks, minerals or fossils