Geology and Volcanoes



Overview

With 40-50 continuing volcanic eruptions at any given time (https://volcano.si.edu), Earth is a dynamic planet.  Some of our most visually striking and awe-inspiring landscapes are developed on volcanic rocks, so that we are drawn to holiday locations in places like the Canary Islands, Indonesia, Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park.   These can also be the locations of devastating natural disasters, and the geological record contains evidence for even greater volcanic events than any experienced by human beings.

What are the Earth’s internal forces causing volcanoes to erupt?  Why do the products of volcanoes range from pumice fragments to flowing basalt lava, from volcanic bombs to Pelée's Hair?  Why are some volcanoes more dangerous than others, and in what places should we fear pyroclastic flows, volcanic gases or tsunamis?  

Geology and Volcanoes seeks to answer these and other questions about the way Planet Earth works.  The course is updated to include recent eruptions and developments in Earth and Planetary science, as well as the role of volcanoes in influencing climates and environments, now and in the geological past.

Students who already know some geology will be able to extend their existing knowledge, and beginners will literally see a whole new world opening up before them. Bring your own questions, specimens for identification, or requests for particular volcanoes to be included in the course. 

We can't visit an active volcano on this course, but we can visit ancient volcanic rocks: a field trip will be organised on either Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th March (unless a different day is agreed with the class), or alternatively if preferred, we can have a study day in the laboratory or museum.    

Programme details

Course starts: 21 Jan 2026

Week 1: Introduction to the course.  Plate tectonics and volcanoes.  Chemical compositions of magmas and lavas.  Minerals of volcanic rocks.  Volcanoes and Earth's climate.

Week 2: The detailed content of weeks 2-7 may change to reflect student interest.  Provisionally we begin with volcanism on mid-ocean ridges: Iceland, East Pacific Rise and other examples.

Week 3: Other oceanic islands: Canaries, Hawaii.  Hot spot theory and the occurrence of oceanic mid-plate volcanism.   Practical work on volcanoes and volcanic rocks.

Week 4: Volcanism at subducting plate margins:  Krakatau, Santorini, Etna, Martinique, Montserrat, Mt St Helen's.  Cataclysmic eruptions, tsunamis, and human consequences.  Continuing practical work.

Half term break.

Week 5: Continental mid-plate volcanism:  East African Rift Valley, Yellowstone National Park. "Supervolcanoes".   Practical work on volcanic rocks, minerals and geochemistry.

Week 6: Volcanoes in Earth's geological history. Ancient volcanic rocks and tectonic settings in Britain and beyond. Giant's Causeway, Fingal's Cave, Arthur's Seat, Charnwood Forest.  Continuing practical work.

Week 7: Volcanism on Mars, Venus, Earth's Moon, and moons of other planets in the solar system.  Evidence from remote sensing techniques.  Relevance to past and present Earth volcanism.  All practical work to be completed, and handed in if desired.

Week 8: Class seminar session.  Students are invited to give a short presentation on a chosen  volcano or volcanic area.

Weeks 9/10:  Field trip or laboratory/museum study day, provisionally Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 March 2026, to be agreed with the class at the first session.

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 (with no assessment) £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 Lecturer.

Course aims

  • To provide a  scientific geological background to the understanding of volcanic eruptions past and present.
  • To explain the locations of present day active volcanoes in the context of global plate tectonic processes. 
  • More detailed examination of the geology of specific volcanoes and volcanic regions, both active and extinct, thus understanding more fully the variety and complexity of volcanic phenomena.
  • By handling specimens, and by studying geological maps and diagrams, students will learn to recognise the important features for identification and interpretation of volcanic rocks and minerals.

Teaching methods

Teaching in the classroom includes illustrated lectures and group study using geological specimens and maps, during which students are encouraged to ask questions and initiate discussion.  Class practical work is done as a open-book exercise with help available from the tutor, and advice is available for any student wishing to prepare piece of written work.   Eight of the ten sessions will be in the classroom, and two sessions devoted to a field trip or laboratory/museum study day.  In the final session, students are invited to give a short presentation on a volcano or volcanic region of their choice.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Understand the main geological environments and geological processes of volcanic eruptions, both in general terms, and with reference to specific locations. 
  • Understand the fundamentals of igneous petrology and rock and mineral chemistry, sufficient to recognise the names of important rock types, mineral species, and rock-forming elements, and to know their significance.
  • Know how to identify and interpret volcanic rocks and minerals using hand specimens, microscope slides or photomicrographs, outcrop or field photographs, and geological maps.   Be confident that if they visit a volcanic area, perhaps on holiday, they will understand in scientific terms the phenomena that they see.

Assessment methods

The coursework will consist of a 1500 word essay or report, with appropriate diagrams and illustrations, or two shorter pieces of 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