Course content

Earth's structure, minerals, and rocks. Formation and deformation of rocks and continents. Igneous and metamorphic processes, plate tectonics, minerals, weathering, sedimentation, stratigraphy, geologic time. Exercises in identification of minerals, rocks, and fossils. Interpretation of geological maps and sections. Field trips involving observation, interpretation, and mapping.

Learning outcome

After fulfilling the course the students will

• develop knowledge about Earth's structure, minerals, and rocks.
• develop knowledge of the formation and deformation of rocks and continents through plate tectonics.
• develop knowledge of magmatism and metamorphism.
• develop knowledge of weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and stratigraphy.
• develop knowledge of Earth's development over geologic time.
• develop the necessary foundation for advanced and more applied geology subjects.

SKILLS

Among skills, the students:

• should be able to identify approximately 100 different minerals, rocks and fossils.
• should have an understanding of geologic processes.
• should have insight info the fact that many "facts" in geology are interpretations subject to discussion.
• should use a compass to measure geological structures.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, compulsory field trips, compulsory exercises, two compulsory midway assessments. Field work may be scheduled for a weekend. The course is evaluated by anonymous feedback during and after the teaching period.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Midway assessment
• Midway assessment
• Field excursions

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course is primarily intended for the study programs Geology bachelor (BGEOL), Georesources and Geotechnology (MTGEORT), Engineering Geology (MTINGGEO), Geotechnology (MTTEKGEO), Petroleum Geoscience and Engineering (MTPETR), and Geography bachelor (BGEOG). Students in other programs can apply to the department (by email to the study administration) for admittance.

Course materials

Textbook: Earth. Portrait of a Planet Marshak Stephen / 2022 / Engelsk

Bergarter og mineraler av Erik Schou Jensen.

Diverse kart og saker fra internett, inklusiv NGU.no.

Credit reductions