Lesson Structure:  Geology

There are 9 lessons:

         1. Introduction To Geology

• Methodology
• Applications Of Geology
• Basic Chemistry Of Rocks
• Rocks And Minerals
• Building Blocks
• Minerals & Mineraloids
• Formation Of Minerals
• Other Related Processes
• Introduction To Mineral Groups
• Silicates
• Non-Silicate Minerals
  
  2. Types Of Rocks
• Igneous Rocks
• Sedimentary Rocks
• Metamorphic Rocks
• Mineral Classification And Crystal Structure
• Simplified Review Of Pauling’s Rules On Crystal Structures
• Geological Environments And Mineral Formation
• Igneous Minerals
• Metamorphic Minerals
• Sedimentary Minerals
• Hydrothermal Minerals
  
  3. Structural Geology
• Tectonics And Geodynamics
• Tectonics
• Geodynamics
• Features Of Structural Geology
• Fractures And Faults
• Folds
• Boudins
• Foliations And Lineations
• Describing Structures In Geology
• Designing Tectonic Models
• Measurements
• Data Acquisition: Field Geology
• Data Synthesis And Analysis
• Geological Maps And Cross Sections
• Tectonic Maps And Structural Profiles
• Structural Sketch-Maps
• Block Diagrams/Tectonograms
• Validating Models
  
  4. Minerals
• Identifying Minerals
• Mineral Classification
• Silicate Minerals
• Orthosilicates
• Sorosilicates
• Cyclosilicates
• Tectosilicates
• Inosilicates
• Phyllosilicates
• Non-Silicate Minerals
• Native Elements5. Geobiology
• Earth’s Gases And Metabolic Diversity Of Organisms
• Metabolic Approaches
• Oxygen-Producing (Photosynthetic) Bacteria
• Greenhouse Gases
• Biophysical Soil Processes
• Soil Chemical Environment
• Soil Microbiome
• Soil Biology
• Influence Of Soil
• Underwater Bio-Physical Processes
• Coral Reef Formation
  
  6. Geophysics
• Seismology
• Tectonics
• Hydrology
• Glaciology
• Geothermometry
• Geomagnetometry
• Petrophysics
• Mineral Physics
• Geodesy
• Geodynamics
• Plate Tectonics Theory
• Plate Boundaries
• Divergent Boundaries
• Convergent Boundaries
• Transform Faults Boundaries
• Nano Tectonics
  
  7. Geochemistry
• Geochemistry Sub-Disciplines
• Analytical Geochemistry
• Elements And Isotopes
• Isotope Geochemistry
• Radiocarbon Dating
• Low-Temperature Geochemistry
• Organic Geochemistry
• Geochemical Cycles
• Interactions Between The Earth’s Layers
• Separation And Concentration Of Elements
• Moving And Mixing The Earth
• Evolution Of The Earth’s Atmosphere
• The Nitrogen Cycle
• The Oxygen Cycle
• The Carbon Cycle
• Fractionation
• Health Impacts
  
  8.  Groundwater Hydrology
• Estimated Global Groundwater Resources
• Types Of Groundwater
• Occurrence Of Groundwater
• Infiltration Of Water
• Depth To Groundwater
• Aquifers
• Types Of Aquifers
• Confined Aquifer
• Unconfined Aquifer
• Semi-Confined Aquifer
• Perched Aquifer
• Properties And Parameters Of Aquifers
• Glacio Hydrogeology
  
  9. Applied Geology
• Groundwater Management
• Mining
• Engineering
• Geotourism
• Geological Surveys

Please Note:  Each lesson concludes with an assignment that is marked by your tutor and returned to you along with any tailored suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Learning Goals:  Geology Online Course

• Explain the nature and scope of geology and concepts that underpin the science of geology.
• Differentiate between rock types.
• Explain the scope, nature and application of structural geology in today’s world.
• Differentiate between different minerals.
• Explain the scope, nature and application of geophysics in today’s world.
• Explain the scope, nature and application of geobiology in today’s world.
• Explain the nature of chemical change that can occur in the geology of a site.
• Explain the nature and significance of groundwater on different sites.
• Explain different practical applications for a knowledge of geology.

As A Science, Geology Uses A Range Of Tools And Testing Methods.

Field work
Field work is amongst the many tools and models used by geologists. This involves going to sites and observing rocks, taking samples, conducting experiments, mapping, and more. It is an important means of collecting data and informing theory.

Mapping is done to provide geological maps of an area depicting types of rocks and their locations and might help inform mining companies. Geotechnical mapping shows the relative strengths and weaknesses of an area and might help inform construction projects.

Sampling might be undertaken via drilling or by various types of logging. Core logging is used by mining companies. Geotechnical logging reveals the strength of underground rocks from core samples. Oil and gas exploration use mud logging.

Laboratory Testing
Not all experiments are conducted in situ. Rocks and materials may be retrieved for experimentation, testing or sampling in the laboratory.

Geomechanical testing may be undertaken to determine the strength of rocks. Geochemical analyses determine content of rocks. Other work might involve examining rocks under a microscope.

Geochronology
Geology tests rocks using methods that reveal the age of rocks and how they were formed. This branch of geology is known as ‘geochronology’. Absolute geochronology measures radioactive isotopes to provide a specific date or date range for specific rock formations.

Relative geochronology uses other methods such as evaluating the way the sediment layers have built up in specific rock formations and comparing them to others. This gives insight into the historical order of events without providing a specific date.

Chemical Analysis
The branch of geology known as geochemistry uses chemical analysis of rocks and minerals to help explain things like the composition of meteorites, structures of crystals, groupings of elements, and the functioning of geological systems like the earth’s crust.

Petrology
Petrology is the branch of geology concerned with understanding the conditions under which rocks are formed. It describes the texture and composition of rocks using mineralogy, petrography, and chemical analysis. It can be broken down further into branches that deal with the three main types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic).

Computer Analysis
Most geologists use various types of computer software in their work. This can include producing and maintaining computer databases and spreadsheets e.g. of mapped data, test data, etc. Geographical information systems (GIS) is a specific database used for mapping.

Computer modelling is also increasingly utilised by geologists. Modelling can be used in different ways e.g. to predict seismic activity, the effects of mining on subsurface stability, or to produce 3-D images of rock formations…

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.