Geology
On this page
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 2 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs) |
| Examination | No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its origin, structure, processes and composition. This wide-ranging course introduces the fundamentals of geology in an exciting way, as well as the practical skills needed to understand and interpret geological features and processes. It covers five main areas: description and identification of minerals and rocks; interpretation of geological maps; the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their associated structures; fossils; and sedimentary processes and environments. In addition to course texts, you’ll receive a returnable home kit (with rocks, minerals and fossils) and teaching materials on DVD (including a new digital kit and virtual microscope).
Course content
The main part of the teaching is in three course texts, carefully integrated with other course materials, some of which are computer-based.
Block 1 Minerals, rocks and maps explores the nature of common minerals and rocks, and introduces techniques for describing and identifying them, including investigation of their microscopic properties by means of a virtual microscope. Other materials on DVD-ROM, including digital mineral and rock specimens, supplement and enhance the teaching of the practical elements introduced in the home kit. This block also introduces the interpretation of geological maps and – with the aid of digital mapping techniques and global examples – investigates the relationship between the landscape and underlying rocks, showing how the geological history of any area can be interpreted from a geological map. Material on DVD-ROM also helps you to visualise and interpret geological structures in three dimensions.
Block 2 Magmas and mountains describes the formation of igneous rocks by crystallisation from a molten liquid (magma) and the formation of metamorphic rocks under high temperatures and pressures. It also looks at the deformation of rocks by folding and faulting during crustal movements and mountain building, including information and evidence that may be obtained from geological maps. Activities on DVD-ROM enable you to explore the effects of folding and faulting in 3-D, and a simple virtual field trip investigates the effects of an igneous intrusion upon surrounding rocks.
Block 3 Sedimentary rocks and fossils (provisional title) describes, with the aid of a full-colour poster and material on DVD-ROM, the physical, chemical and biological processes that weather and erode the land, and how transport and deposition of sediment lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks. It also introduces the main groups of fossils and how these may be used, in conjunction with sedimentary features observed in the geological record, to reconstruct and understand past environments. The home kit contains plaster casts of representatives of all the main fossil groups, supplemented and enhanced by digital specimens on DVD-ROM.
Associated residential school course
There is an associated 10-point residential school course The geological history of the British Isles (SXR260) that develops geological skills in the field. Because this residential school supports the academic aims of this course, it would be particularly advantageous to take both courses in the same year. If you want to count S276 towards an Open University qualification, you may need to include SXR260 as well. If you decide to attend the residential school, you must register for SXR260 separately, for which an additional fee is payable.
You will learn
This course offers an exceptionally wide range of observational, practical and IT skills, many of which are transferable to other areas, as well as those that you will need to progress to other courses in Geosciences. Even if you do not wish to study further Geosciences courses, it will enable you to be much better informed about, and enhance your understanding of, the physical world around you.
Vocational relevance
This course should be of particular interest to those employed, or seeking employment, in environmental agencies, heritage organisations and the minerals industry, as well as the education sector. Geology students are currently entitled to apply for Candidate Fellowship of the Geological Society.
Entry
This is a Level 2 course, but as it is an introductory course in geology, it should be accessible to anyone who has a basic scientific background. However, it is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The booklet Are You Ready For S276? may be viewed or downloaded from the Are you ready for science? website.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
You will be sent the home kit, but you will be expected to pay for postage on return at the end of the course. All kit specimens are also included as digital versions on DVD-ROM. Most of the printed course materials should be available as downloadable PDFs from the course website.
Preparatory work
The most useful preparation is to make yourself familiar with modern basic geological principles and terminology by reading the Earth science books of Exploring science (S104) (Books 2 and 6) or an introductory text such as Teach Yourself Geology by D.A. Rothery (2008, Teach Yourself Books), Understanding Earth by J. Grotzinger, T. Jordan, F. Press and R. Siever (2007, Freeman), or Earth: Portrait of a Planet by S. Marshak (2007, Norton).
Qualifications
S276 is an optional course in our:
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (B52)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and some scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
Because the course includes many practical materials and digital images involving the differentiation of colours and observation of small scale features and structures, it may be very difficult for students with colour blindness or poor visual acuity to achieve all the learning outcomes of the course. Some activities (and the home kit specimens) are presented in virtual form on DVD-ROM, which may be more accessible to some students.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, DVD-ROMs, home kit, course website.
You will need
You will need a hard hat (costing about £5) if you take part in a field trip.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Materials to buy
Students need to buy two maps using a special order form on the course website.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You should also be offered group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. You will receive a list of field trips that may be available in your area. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
The computer-marked assignments (iCMAs), must be submitted online.
Professional recognition
Geology students are currently entitled to apply for Candidate Fellowship of the Geological Society.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2010. We expect it to be available in November 2010 and once per year in November thereafter.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.