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Marianna Majzonova

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone interested in the geological history of Earth, but may be of particular interest to students looking to study Earth Science. You can use the hashtag #FLgeoevents to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone interested in the geological history of Earth, but may be of particular interest to students looking to study Earth Science. You can use the hashtag #FLgeoevents to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The formation of the Earth and how the planet became habitable
  • Key historical events that shaped the Earth’s surface
  • Differences between regular and extreme geological activity
  • Natural processes behind the largest floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
  • Risks and hazards presented by extreme geological events
  • Likelihood of extreme geological events occurring in the future

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of earth's extreme events

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and insightful look into Earth's extreme geological events. Students consistently praise the expert instructors from Cardiff University for their clear and engaging explanations, making complex topics like tsunamis and volcanic eruptions easy to grasp with excellent visual aids. While many find the content rich and detailed, some learners suggest the pace can be fast, and it may require a certain level of existing interest, sometimes feeling too theoretical for casual learners or beginners due to scientific jargon. However, the course is broadly seen as providing a solid foundation in understanding these powerful natural processes.
Focuses on risks, hazards, and societal impact of events.
"The risks and hazards section was practical though."
"I appreciate the focus on both the science and the societal impact of these events."
"The sections on future likelihood and hazards were particularly insightful."
Covers a wide range of geological events with impressive detail.
"A very informative course covering a wide range of geological events. The explanations were clear, and I appreciated the scientific rigor."
"The depth provided on each type of event, from floods to volcanic eruptions, was impressive. I learned so much."
"This course is a must for anyone interested in Earth science! The way they explain complex concepts like plate tectonics and seismic activity is phenomenal."
"The content is rich and detailed, presented by highly knowledgeable experts. It really broadens one's perspective."
Knowledgeable instructors provide clear and engaging explanations.
"Absolutely brilliant course! The content was incredibly engaging and the lecturers from Cardiff University were experts in their fields."
"The instructors brought the material to life. I feel much more informed about the forces shaping our planet."
"The clarity of explanation, coupled with engaging visuals, made this a truly enjoyable learning experience."
"The lecturers are passionate and knowledgeable. I appreciate the focus on both the science and the societal impact of these events."
Primarily lecture-based; some desire more interactive elements.
"I would have liked more interactive elements or perhaps some case studies to apply the knowledge. It felt a bit lecture-heavy at times."
"While the subject matter is interesting, I found the delivery quite monotone in some sections... It felt more like a university lecture."
"I found some of the lectures a bit dry. It's definitely for people who are already quite interested in geology."
"I felt there could have been more quizzes or opportunities to test understanding throughout the modules."
Can be fast-paced and uses jargon, challenging for beginners.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit fast-paced, especially for someone new to the subject."
"It's definitely for people who are already quite interested in geology, as it dives deep into scientific explanations. For a casual learner, it might be a bit much."
"I was looking for something more accessible. This course uses a lot of jargon without sufficient explanation for beginners. I felt lost quickly."
"I found some parts a bit too theoretical and wished for more practical insights or examples related to current events."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Extreme Geological Events. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Extreme Geological Events will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
A beautifully illustrated book that explores the history of Earth, from its formation to the present day.
A comprehensive and engaging narrative of Earth's history, written by a renowned geochemist.
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A renowned biologist argues that we are entering a new era of extinction and discusses the potential consequences.
A geologist explores the impact of humans on the planet and argues that we have entered a new geological epoch.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of natural disasters. It is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.
This guide provides practical advice on how to build resilience to natural disasters. It covers a wide range of topics, from risk assessment and early warning systems to emergency response and long-term recovery.
Examines the relationship between natural disasters and development. It argues that disasters can have a devastating impact on development, and that disaster risk reduction should be integrated into development planning.
Examines the risks and societal implications of extreme natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. It draws on a wide range of case studies to illustrate the challenges of disaster management.
Tells the stories of some of the most devastating natural disasters in history, from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. It explores the science behind these disasters and the lessons we can learn from them.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of natural disasters around the world. It covers a wide range of topics, from earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and wildfires.

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