Geology: Earth Science for Everyone from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Time and Context

What the course teaches you…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Geology has been studied in a limited manner since antiquity. What are the big questions? Where do we begin?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

In this lecture we explore the Scottish Enlightenment and how sociopolitical conditions led to immense academic progress in geology. James Hutton, the father of modern geology, is introduced and we discover the importance of the unconformity.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, NASA/JPL

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

The concept of an unconformity is pivotal to the understanding of geologic time. Join me for a virtual field trip to a really neat unconformity.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

We are still working on that same old problem...How old is the Earth? Lord Kelvin was an interesting figure in 19th century science. We will discuss his contributions, and the various problems encountered by other 19th century earth scientists.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

In geology we study the firmament: rocks. But what are rocks anyway? We need to delve into the atomic structure of matter before we can truly understand the interactions of rocks, crystals, and minerals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Bohr Atom: fastfission/Wikimedia Commons

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Rocks, Chemistry, and Matter!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

This lesson could alternatively be called: What you may or may not remember from high school chemistry. Radioactivity is an interesting phenomenon in nature. It is also crucial to geologists. Let's delve deep into the history of the sciences!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, Uraninite: KGUR/Wikimedia Commons, Crookes Tube: D-Kuru/Wikimedia Commons

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Not strictly to do with geology, but I find this interesting…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Because my lesson on radioactivity turned into a major treatment of the history of chemistry and particle physics, we have to have a second attempt and finish it up!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons; Helium Spectral Bands: Shanepi/Technion Physics Lab/Wikimedia Commons; Double Slit Experiment: Dr. Tonomura/Wikimedia Commons; EM diagram: Inductiveload/NASA/Wikimedia Commons.

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

We learned all that stuff about radioactivity for good reason. Finally we have the tools to tackle the problem of Earth's age!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Uranium Decay Chain: Tosaka/Wikimedia Commons

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Now we know the age of Earth, but as usual answers lead to more questions. Where are the oldest rocks? What is Earth made of?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, NASA Johnson Space Center Earth Crew Observations group-Progress 42P Reentering Earth's Atmosphere (ISS029E34031-ISS029E34121), Milky Way and Storms over Africa (ISS030E28525-ISS030E28692).

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Why Are There Oceans and Continents?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Although we mainly think of planet "Earth", it would be more aptly called planet "Ocean". Most of the world is covered in water, and 99% of the liveable space is underwater!
What does this mean for earth scientists?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Blue Marble: NASA/JPL

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

The Swiss Alps are a traditional place of study for geologists. The formations are structurally complex, and a lot of pioneering work in geology was done in the Alps. We'll see what secrets those jagged peaks have reluctantly let slip.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, Swiss Alps Satellite: NASA/JPL, Thrust Diagram: Mikenorton/Wikimedia Commons, Glarus Thrust: Hans G. Oberlach/Wikimedia Commons, Doldenhorn Nappe Folding: Woudloper/Wikimedia Commons.

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Have you ever noticed the nearly jigsaw puzzle fit of the continents? Check it out on a map, it's neat. Lots of scientists through history have picked up on that as well. In this lecture we'll see what the shape of continents implies…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, Fossil Belts Diagram: USGS

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

The ocean deeps are a mysterious place - in some ways more mysterious than space. War and political circumstances have historically provided funding for naval navigation. We'll look at the results, stemming from wartime bathymetric surveys, on the progress of earth science.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, World Bathymetry Compilation: NASA/JPL

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

In medicine, we use X-rays and any number of other imaging techniques to see inside the body. Earth science has its own toolkit and we use it to look inside the Earth. Imagine doing an "ultrasound" on our planet...We can! What do we find inside the Earth?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, Example Seismic Profile-USGS

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Open Ocean

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

What is actually out there on the ocean floors, thousands of kilometres from shore? Oceanographers and others have actually dragged seafloor dredges far out at sea to answer that question. They find the occasional rock, but not just any old kind of rock!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons, World Bathymetry Compilation: NASA/JPL, Pillow Lava Image/Video: USGS, NOAA.

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

In the 1950's a group of Stanford scientists made a discovery that changed Earth science forever. The studies used paleomagnetic data, and so fantastic were they, that some have called it "paleomagic"

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons

World Bathymetry Compilation: NASA/JPL

Vine, F.J., 1966. Spreading of the ocean floor: New evidence. Science, 154: 1405-1415.

Vine, F.J., 1968. Magnetic anomalies associated with mid-ocean ridges. (in Phinney, R.A.)

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Plate Tectonics

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

The Unifying Theory. Plate Tectonics. A deceivingly simple concept that has deep implications for every facet of geology. Here is an introduction…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Tectonic Plates Map: USGS

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Let's discuss convergent, or destructive plate margins. We'll talk about two kinds of subduction, then I'll explain the concept of continental collisions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Diagrams based on USGS artwork, Himalayas: NASA/JPL

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Here we'll discuss the divergent, or constructive margins. These include seafloor spreading, and continental rifting. What drives these processes? How do they manifest themselves today?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons

Blue Marble Project imagery for Iceland, Africa: NASA/JPL

World Bathymetry Compilation: NASA/JPL

NASA Johnson Space Center Earth Crew Observations (ISS timelapse with ISS034E15609-ISS034E16607)

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY

Let's put together some of the things we've learned and apply ourselves to a real problem. How did the Rocky Mountains form? We can't hope to answer that question fully in an 11 minute lesson, but let's at least cover the main thrust of the concept and see how geologists might approach such a question!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the art and imagery in this course is in the public domain, or original work based on academic sources. Please see below for any exceptions in this lesson.

Image Credits:

Wikimedia Commons

Topographic Map of North America (Shuttle Topography Mission Data): NASA/JPL

North American Tapestry of Time and Terrain: USGS (in collaboration with Canada, Mexico)-This is a phenomenal, inspiring map. You should consider buying one or downloading it from the USGS website.

Historical Topographic Map of North America: USGS

Other diagram inspiration: Various USGS artwork

Music Credit: Kevin MacLeod-Earth Prelude, Finding a Balance, Death of Kings 2

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores foundational geological concepts, including continental drift, plate tectonics, and rock formation

Introduces learners to scientific inquiry methods through the history of geology

Taught by a geologist with a passion for the topic and a talent for making complex concepts easy to understand

Leverages multimedia content such as videos, images, and diagrams to help learners visualize and understand geological processes

Provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing further study in geology or related fields

Suitable as an introductory-level course for learners with little to no prior knowledge of geology

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Geology: Earth Science for Everyone with these activities:

Practice identifying rocks and minerals

Show steps

Practice identifying rocks and minerals using the online resources provided by the course.

Show steps

Visit the Virtual Mineral Museum
Use the Rock Identification Key
Take the online quiz on rock and mineral identification

Learn about the history of geology

Show steps

Learn about the history of geology and how our understanding of the Earth has evolved over time.

Browse courses on Geological Time

Show steps

Watch the video lecture on the history of geology
Read the article on the history of geology
Complete the online quiz on the history of geology

Read _The Earth Through Time_ by Harold L. Levin

Show steps

Read _The Earth Through Time_ by Harold L. Levin to further deepen your understanding of the history of Earth and the processes that have shaped it.

Show steps

Read chapters 1-5 of the book
Complete the online quiz on the book
Attend the book discussion forum

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Create a geological map of your local area

Show steps

Create a geological map of your local area to apply the concepts you've learned in the course.

Show steps

Gather data on the geology of your local area
Use a mapping software to create a geological map
Present your map to the class

Volunteer at a local museum or science center

Show steps

Volunteer at a local museum or science center to learn more about Earth Science and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Earth Science

Show steps

Contact a local museum or science center
Inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer training

Attend a geology workshop or conference

Show steps

Attend a geology workshop or conference to learn more about the latest research and developments in the field.

Browse courses on Earth Science

Show steps

Search for upcoming geology workshops or conferences
Register for a workshop or conference
Attend the workshop or conference

Career center

Learners who complete Geology: Earth Science for Everyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geologist

In your role as a Geologist, you'll study the Earth's composition, structure, history, and processes. Geology: Earth Science for Everyone will help build a foundation in the field of geology, preparing you for this career. You'll learn about topics from mineralogy to plate tectonics, and develop skills in data analysis and problem solving.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Geochemist

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its materials. Geochemists use this knowledge to understand the Earth's history, processes, and resources. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, will help you develop a strong foundation in geochemistry and analytical chemistry, as well as valuable skills in data analysis and interpretation. With this knowledge, you'll be prepared for a career in geochemistry, environmental science, or a related field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geochemist

Park Ranger

In your role as a Park Ranger, you'll protect and interpret natural resources for the public. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, can help you develop a strong foundation in Earth science, and provide you with the knowledge necessary to interpret the natural features of a park.

See salaries and explore the career path for Park Ranger

Geotechnical Engineer

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone can help you prepare for a career as a Geotechnical Engineer. In this role, you'll apply geological principles to design and construct structures, such as buildings and bridges. The course will help you develop a strong foundation in soil and rock mechanics, as well as an understanding of how geological processes can impact engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer

Science Teacher

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone can help you prepare for a career as a Science Teacher. In this role, you'll teach science to students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. The course will provide you with a deep understanding of Earth science concepts, and help you develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate science to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Oceanographer

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone may be useful for an aspiring Oceanographer, as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as oceanography and marine geology. You'll learn about the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the oceans. This knowledge will provide a strong foundation for further study in oceanography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Cartographer

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone may be useful for an aspiring Cartographer, as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as geography, geology, and cartography. You'll learn about the principles of mapmaking and the use of geographic information systems (GIS).

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Museum Educator

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone may be useful for an aspiring Museum Educator, as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as paleontology, mineralogy, and geology. You'll learn about the Earth's history, composition, and processes. This knowledge will provide a strong foundation for developing educational programs and exhibits on Earth science topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Environmental Consultant

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone may be useful for an aspiring Environmental Consultant, as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as environmental science, pollution, and remediation. You'll learn about the principles of environmental science and the use of scientific methods to solve environmental problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Science Policy Analyst

Geology: Earth Science for Everyone may be useful for an aspiring Science Policy Analyst, as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as climate change, energy, and environmental policy. You'll learn about the principles of science policy and the use of scientific evidence to inform policy decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst

Natural Resources Manager

In your role as a Natural Resources Manager, you'll manage natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, may be useful as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as ecology, conservation, and resource management. You'll learn about the principles of natural resource management and the use of scientific methods to make informed decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Hydrogeologist

As a Hydrogeologist, you'll study the distribution and movement of groundwater. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, may be useful as it introduces you to the basics of hydrology and hydrogeology. You'll learn about topics such as groundwater flow, contamination, and remediation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrogeologist

Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you'll communicate complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, may be useful as it will help you develop a strong foundation in Earth science, and improve your ability to explain scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Geophysicist

As a Geophysicist, you'll use physics to study the Earth, oceans, and atmosphere. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, may be useful as it introduces you to fundamental geological concepts, such as plate tectonics and the Earth's composition. You'll also develop the critical thinking skills necessary for a career in geophysics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Environmental Scientist

In your role as an Environmental Scientist, you'll study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course, Geology: Earth Science for Everyone, may be useful as it provides a broad overview of Earth science, including topics such as climate change, pollution, and conservation. You'll develop an understanding of the complex interactions between the Earth's systems and human activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist