Introduction to geology [SGOLB102]

Objectives

Upon completion of the Teaching Unit, students will be able to :

• List the major stages in the history of the Earth and describe the scientific process by which they were identified
• Describe the geological processes responsible for the formation, modification and destruction of rocks and how they influence the landscape of a region
• Identify common rocks and minerals and describe their characteristics, mode of formation and applications
• Initiate a discussion on the interactions between geology, climate, life, natural resources and risks, land management and protection of the environment

Content

The lectures cover the main geological processes and their products: the different families of rocks and minerals, their deformation on a local and regional scale, the influence of geology on our immediate environment and some current issues.

Lab sessions:

• Macroscopic recognition of rocks and minerals (for all)
• Crystallography (chemistry students)
• Geological map reading (biology students)

A half-day field trip is organised on a Saturday (for everyone). The students are divided into 4 groups according to their availability and can choose between two dates, morning or afternoon.