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Extreme Geological Events

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."

Career center

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

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Extreme Geological Events.

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Extreme Geological Events

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of earth's extreme events

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Reading list

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