12 001 Introduction To Geology Fall 2013
Understand the forces shaping our planet, from rocks and plate tectonics to modern environmental challenges, through clear written lessons designed for beginners.
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About this course
Discover the fascinating processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years and continue to influence our daily lives. This comprehensive text-based course introduces you to the core principles of geology, from the microscopic structure of minerals to the global movements of tectonic plates.
By reading through our structured modules, you will develop a deep understanding of Earth's history, learn to identify major rock types, and comprehend how natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. You will gain the foundational knowledge needed to interpret landscapes, understand geological maps, and appreciate the geological context of modern environmental changes.
What you'll learn:
- Define key geological terms and foundational concepts of earth sciences.
- Identify major minerals and rock types based on their physical properties and formation processes.
- Explain the mechanics of plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
- Analyze how water, wind, and glaciers shape the Earth's surface through erosion and deposition.
- Interpret basic geological maps and understand the concept of deep geologic time.
- Examine the geological perspective on climate change and the modern concept of the Anthropocene.
The course begins with essential terminology and the chemical building blocks of the Earth, before moving into plate tectonics, surface processes, and historical geology. You will practice your skills through structured written exercises and scenario-based analyses that bring geological concepts to life.
This course is designed entirely for beginners with no prior background in science or geology. Anyone curious about how the Earth works, environmental studies, or outdoor landscapes will find this guide highly accessible.
Start your journey into earth science today and see the natural world in a whole new way.
Course contents
6 modules · 28 lessons · 3h
1
Earth's Building Blocks
Understand the chemical and mineralogical composition of our planet.
- Welcome to Geology
Geology is the study of Earth's materials, structures, and the processes that change them over time.6 min - The Chemistry of Earth
Earth is composed of specific chemical elements that form the basis of all geological materials.6 min - The Secret Life of Minerals
Minerals are defined by their orderly internal atomic structure and chemical composition.7 min - Mineral Identification
You can identify minerals using physical properties like hardness, luster, and cleavage.7 min - From Atoms to Crystals
The way atoms bond determines the macroscopic shape and strength of the minerals we see.6 min
2
The Three Rock Families
Learn how rocks form, transform, and tell the story of their origin.
- Igneous Rocks: Born of Fire
Igneous rocks form from the cooling of molten magma or lava, either underground or on the surface.7 min - Sedimentary Rocks: Earth's Archives
Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of debris and organic matter, preserving Earth's history.7 min - Metamorphic Rocks: Under Pressure
Existing rocks transform into metamorphic rocks when subjected to intense heat and pressure without melting.7 min - The Rock Cycle
Any rock type can transform into any other type through various geological processes over time.6 min
3
A Restless Planet
Explore the dynamic forces of plate tectonics and the hazards they create.
- The Theory of Plate Tectonics
Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.7 min - Plate Boundaries and Motion
The interactions at plate boundaries—divergent, convergent, and transform—drive most geological activity.6 min - Mountain Building (Orogeny)
Mountains are primarily formed by the collision of tectonic plates and the folding of the crust.6 min - Earthquakes: When Earth Shakes
Earthquakes occur when stress built up along faults is suddenly released as seismic energy.7 min - Volcanoes: Earth's Vents
Volcanoes form where magma reaches the surface, often at plate boundaries or hotspots.7 min - Living with Geological Hazards
Understanding geological processes is essential for mitigating the risks of natural disasters.6 min
4
Sculpting the Surface
Analyze how water, wind, and ice shape the landscapes we see today.
- Weathering and Erosion
Rocks are broken down and moved across the surface by physical and chemical processes.6 min - The Power of Water
Rivers and oceans are the primary agents of erosion and deposition on Earth.7 min - Wind-Swept Landscapes
In arid environments, wind acts as a powerful force for transporting sediment and shaping dunes.6 min - Glaciers: Rivers of Ice
Glaciers carve massive valleys and leave behind unique deposits as they advance and retreat.7 min - Reading the Landscape
Landscapes are a visual record of the competing forces of uplift and erosion.6 min
5
Deep Time and Mapping
Master the tools used to measure geologic time and visualize the Earth's crust.
- The Concept of Deep Time
Geologic time operates on a scale of millions and billions of years, far beyond human experience.6 min - Earth's 4.5 Billion Year History
The geologic time scale organizes Earth's history into eons, eras, and periods based on major events.7 min - Basics of Geologic Maps
Geologic maps use colors and symbols to represent the distribution of rock units and structures.7 min - Interpreting Map Symbols
Learning to read strike, dip, and contact lines allows you to visualize 3D structures from a 2D map.6 min
6
Geology in the Modern Age
Connect geological principles to climate change and human impact.
- The Geological Climate Record
Rocks and ice cores provide a long-term record of Earth's past climate fluctuations.6 min - Modern Environmental Change
Geological processes influence current environmental issues like sea-level rise and resource depletion.6 min - The Anthropocene Concept
The Anthropocene is a proposed epoch where human activity has become a dominant geological force.6 min - Geology in Your Daily Life
From the materials in your phone to the stability of your home, geology is everywhere.6 min
Final project
The Landscape Detective Project
You will be provided with a geological map and a set of landscape photos for a hypothetical region. You must identify the rock types present, describe the tectonic history (e.g., faulting or folding), and explain which surface processes (water, wind, or ice) shaped the current terrain.
What you'll get
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Short & focused
3h of practical content
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Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed
14 / 14
Practice questions
26 / 28
Assignments submitted
4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project
Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice
6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank
Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion
11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score
91 / 100
Practice-question score
94%
Skill verification
Verified Skill Path
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Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
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