Geology: An Introduction to the Science of Planet Earth



Overview

Geology combines all the basic sciences in a broad-ranging discipline for studying the way Planet Earth works. We start with the origin of the Earth, its chemical composition and internal structure. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Fossils and chemical signatures reveal that life existed on this planet from billions of years ago.  Although we work on a very long timescale, some of the principles of geology are relatively new, e.g. plate tectonics and radiometric dating were unknown until the 20th century.  Geology has never been more relevant than it is today, with mankind facing issues such as natural disasters, species diversity, climate change and the energy transition, indeed, a knowledge of geology could be the key to our survival.

No prior academic knowledge is assumed. This is a hands-on course, which will include classroom time working with geological specimens. Students are encouraged to ask questions and initiate discussion. There will be eight classroom sessions on Wednesday evenings, with a half-term break on 5th November, and two fieldwork sessions on a weekend day in November.

Programme details

Course starts: 8 October 2025

Week 1: Course introduction. Planet Earth and the solar system. Chemical composition of Earth's core, mantle and crust. Geological time.

Week 2: Minerals and rocks.  Properties of minerals and how to describe and identify them.  The geological cycle in continental crust.  Practical work on mineralogy.

Week 3: Plate tectonics. Causes and locations of earthquakes and volcanoes, origins and chemistry of igneous rocks.  Practical work on igneous rocks.

Week 4: Sedimentary rocks and the science of stratigraphy.  Practical work on sedimentary rocks.  Complete and hand in any remaining practical worksheets for marking and feedback.

Half term break. 

Week 5: Metamorphic rocks and mountain belts.  Metamorphic minerals that tell about temperatures and pressures within the Earth.  Practical work on metamorphic rocks.

Week 6: Life through geological time. Earth as the "goldilocks planet".  From the simplest cells, to trilobites, ammonites, dinosaurs, mankind. Practical work on fossils.

Week 7: Geological history of Planet Earth and the building of the British Isles.  Relation of global events to British geology.  Complete and hand in any remaining practical worksheets.  Answers to practical questions.

Week 8: Planet Earth’s environments and resources. Climate change through geological time, and now. The role of geology in the energy transition.

Weeks 9/10: Field trip(s) to see local geology: provisionally Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 November.

Digital Certification

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points

Digital Certificate of Completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Carol Lister

Carol has a doctorate in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, a master's degree in Applied Landscape Archaeology, and many years’ experience as a Professional Geologist and University Teacher.

Course aims

Geology is the study of Planet Earth. This course introduces the scientific study of rocks, minerals, fossils, and the natural processes that form surface and subsurface features such as volcanoes, mineral deposits, mountain chains and ocean floors.

Course Objectives:

  • To introduce the concepts underlying geological science, the interpretation of geological evidence for the way the Earth is made, the processes that produce geological materials, features and environments, and the relevance of geology in understanding present day phenomena such as climate change.
  • To introduce practical skills of observation, description and recognition of commonly occurring rocks, minerals, fossils, geological outcrops and structures, in the lab and in the field.
  • To lay the foundations of geological science upon which more advanced geological study may be undertaken in the future; to provide a way-in to the subject, so that students may find out information for themselves.

Teaching methods

Classroom sessions on Wednesday evenings will each include a lecture and a chance to examine geological specimens and/or microscope slides.  The course includes organised practical work, in which students will be able to engage with minerals, rocks and fossils. Students are encouraged to take notes, and are shown how to observe and record geological information. There will be opportunities for discussion and for identification of students’ own specimens. A local field trip will be arranged, provisionally on Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th November, a.m. and p.m., to be agreed with the class at the first session.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • understand the basic principles of geological science, including present and past geological processes and events, the nature of geological materials and the development of life forms;
  • know how to identify the most common rocks, minerals and fossils;
  • be familiar with the scientific methods of observation and description used in geology, and with the critical examination of geological evidence.

Assessment methods

This coursework can be a single essay or report of at least 1500 words, including diagrams, maps and other illustrations as appropriate.  Alternatively students may submit two separate essays of at least 750 words each.  Students will also have the opportunity to submit a formative piece of approximately 500 words during the course.

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.

Application

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support