Geology

Course summary

Geology is not just about rocks. It is a multidisciplinary science that investigates the processes that happen on the earth’s surface and within it, and considers how the earth has evolved through time and potentially how it will into the future. Geologists use this science to explore and exploit our water, mineral and energy resources; to predict volcanic and earthquake hazards; to try to prevent landslides and to protect our natural environment. Geology is also used during the construction of civil engineering projects such as buildings, tunnels and roads. Over the two years you will develop an understanding of core concepts in geology. You will learn about Earth’s internal structure and composition, how it formed and its influence on geological processes and products. You will study plate tectonics; investigate what drives plate motion and how tectonics can influence long term climatic change, geohazards and potentially evolution of life itself. You will investigate how Earth’s internal physical and chemical processes form a wide variety of structures, igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the surface processes that lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks. You will also study a variety of fossil groups and understand how they can be used to date rocks and interpret environments from millions of years ago. To reflect some of the geology careers available, you will also study the formation, exploration and development of Earth’s natural resources such as water, hydrocarbons and metal ores. There are also non-core topics such as advanced plate tectonics, Quaternary geology and geohazards.