Introduction to Earth Science

Objectives: The course aims to give an introduction to the structure, composition and processes of the earth from centre to surface. The course gives a fundamental introduction to the most central aspects of geology. The course provides insight to the structure and composition of the earth, and the elements, minerals and rocks that make up our planet. Further, the course aims to give the students an understanding of earth processes and their interactions, that are at play and that have shape the earth and its landforms.

Content: The subject of geology encompasses the inner structure and processes of the earth as well as the landforms and processes active at the earth's surface. The teaching provides an introduction to seismology, geomagnetism, classification of rocks and minerals, volcanic and magmatic activity, earthquakes, metamorphism, deformation and plate tectonics. Further, the teaching focuses on weathering, mass wasting, erosion, transport and deposition of sediments, formation of sedimentary rocks, as well as the shaping and break-down of different landforms.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge 

The student

• can explain the structure and composition of the earth, and the fundamental geological processes that have shaped the Earth
• can explain key geological terms, definitions and theories (for example minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, orogeny)
• can define, classify and describe sediments, minerals, rocks and their formation
• can discuss how different earth processes (for example plate tectonics, erosion, sedimentation) work and interact, and how different minerals, rocks and landforms that result from various processes.
• can discuss the link between cause and effect for different different geological processes (for example the foces driving plate tectonics)

Skills

The student

• can interpret (read and explain) graphs and figures with geological data
• can summarize observations/data/principles graphically
• can recognise and discuss different geological environments, landform and processes
• can perform simple searches for relevant Earth Science literature, as well as cite sources correctly

General competence 

The student

• can use a precise geological language to describe and discuss geological processes and events
• can demonstrate the ability to function individually, in cooperation and ethically with others
• can acknowledge, evaluate and communicate the role of humans in, and our dependency and impact on, the Earth system

Autumn

The course has limited capasity. Read more about admission to courses with limited capasity here: www.uib.no/en/nt/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity