GeologyDiploma Course

The course begins with a look at the basic geological formation history of the Earth, the properties of the Earth’s interior, and continental and oceanic geological structures.

We’ll explore the significance of plate tectonic forces over geological timescales, seafloor spreading, subduction zones, and hot spots.

You’ll learn the significance the rock cycle has on Earth, the various methods for sediment classifications and how rock types are defined and classified. The course covers aspects of mineral formation and their associated environmental factors, silicate, rock-forming minerals, the ‘Big Ten’, and the various methods of mineral classification and their benefits.

You’ll become familiar with internal and external volcanic features, the constituents of volcanic tephra and the types of lava flow, volcano types and eruption categories, and subduction zone volcanoes. We’ll also explore the study and field of seismology, the earthquake processes, mountain building and the associated seismic activity and the hazards that can arise from earthquakes.

You’ll learn about climate trends through Earth’s geological history, the various systems that result in climate modifications, the environmental significance of the ocean, the various anthropogenic influences on climate, soil formation and distributions, the Earth’s watershed and how contamination occurs.

You’ll learn how to define geological time, differentiate between relative and absolute dating techniques, and understand dating methods using fossil evidence and radiometric isotope decay.

Anthropogenic influences, such as agriculture and industrialization, are directly responsible for environmental changes to Earth. We’ll look at the history and ecological impacts of agriculture and industrialization, and the negative geological impacts of urbanization.

The course concludes with a look at fossil fuels and their associated geological values, the process, environmental effects and future projections of economic mining, and geothermal energy substitutions and their geological implications.

By studying this course, you will:

• Gain a greater understanding of Earth, its structures, and processes
• Be aware of the processes and significance of plate tectonic forces, volcanoes, and earthquakes
• Learn about rocks, minerals, and geological analysis
• Be familiar with climate trends, anthropogenic influences, and economic mining