Deep Time: Discovering an Ancient Earth from Coursera

Ever since our ancestors ventured onto the African savanna, human beings have searched, explored, and wondered about the world. Nowadays, and certainly for most, science is the vehicle that takes us along a path towards understanding nature. It can bring us from sub-atomic realms to the most distant galaxies. Largely through the discipline of geology, science allows us to push back the mists of time and peer into a past measured in billions of years, and aptly referred to as “Deep Time.”

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This is a journey of discovery—we'll learn about the origins of science and geology itself, to our planet’s oceans, atmosphere, and crust. The focus then turns to how geologists have probed the rise and fall of the Rocky Mountains, and we conclude by considering not only the power of science but also acknowledging its inherent price and responsibility.

Certificate earners demonstrate proficiency through a few short assessments and discussion prompts and are prepared to teach or apply the material.

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Syllabus

Science and Geology in Search of Deep Time

We might well be the first species to ask, and even begin to answer, some big questions about the world around us: Who are we? Where are we? and When are we? Geology joins some heavy hitters, like evolutionary biology and cosmology, when it comes to providing major insights, particularly into the latter question.This first module begins with a look at science in general, how it works and where it came from. We then address the historical beginnings of a “science of the earth” (geology) and how, from its very inception, it pointed towards an earth of immense age, the business of Deep Time. The module wraps up with an introduction to the assessment of rock and mineral age determination using both qualitative and isotopic methods.

Origins: Stars to Planets, Continents, Oceans, and Atmospheres

The power of science is no better exemplified than through its ability to peer into the most remote depths of Deep Time. In this second module we take a cursory “highlight trip” through a host of very ancient and key origins, from the universe itself to stars and planets, and then to Earth’s first oceans, atmosphere, crust, and life. We take a literal deep dive into the underpinnings of the North American continent, the so-called Precambrian basement. Using rock and mineral analysis, radiometric dating, seismology, and the treasure trove of deep-earth materials brought to the surface by kimberlitic “diamond-pipe” eruptions, geologists have put together an understanding of how North America, and continents in general, grow through time.

Seas and Ancient Mountains of North America

We tackle the story of North America, as it emerges from the Precambrian into the Phanerozoic Eon (i.e., Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic Eras). The story is read from the book of rock layers, and as such we review some of the language of geology—rocks and the rock-cycle. We VISIT (via both lecture and virtual-video-field trip) the puzzling yet pervasive Great Unconformity, an enormous gap in the rock record that sits directly below the first strata with shell fossils. We consider the marine waters that washed onto and off the land, as climate and tectonics drove changes in sea-level. Lastly, as the Pangea Super-Continent coalesced in the Late Paleozoic, we see the rise of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. Note: This module contains the first two of three Video Field Trip Outings to Flagstaff Mountain, near Boulder, Colorado.

The Rise of the Modern Rocky Mountains

Moving into the final phase of Earth history in the Rocky Mountains, the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras, the geological record provides greater resolution and reveals, with rather exceptional detail, the location and timing of mountain uplifts, ocean incursions, changing climate, and the fossil record. The modern Rocky Mountains turn out to be a consequence of uplift, erosion, and then renewed uplift with a final sculpting via glacial ice. We conclude by coming full circle, back to science itself— recognizing it as more than simply a tool for reconstructing nature and the past, but also carrying a charge of responsibility for assessing truth and evaluating claims within our own lives and the present world. Note: This module begins with the third and final Video Field Trip Outing to Flagstaff Mountain, near Boulder, Colorado.

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This course explores the history of science and geology and their connection to Deep Time, which is standard in the field of geology

Taught by instructors with extensive field research experience in geology

Develops an understanding of the origins of the universe, stars, planets, and Earth's geological formations, which are core concepts in geology

Examines the geological history of North America, including the rise and fall of the Rocky Mountains, which is highly relevant to the field of geology

Teaches methods of rock and mineral analysis, radiometric dating, and seismology, which are essential tools for geologists

Requires learners to participate in discussion prompts and short assessments, which helps to reinforce learning

Career center

Learners who complete Deep Time: Discovering an Ancient Earth will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geologist

A geologist typically works in the field of geology to study the physical properties of the Earth, its history, and its composition. With a deep understanding of Earth's history, geologists may conduct research on Earth's resources, such as minerals and water, or they may participate in projects that focus on preventing natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This course will help build a foundation for geologists who want to specialize in reconstructing the Earth's past.

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Paleontologist

A paleontologist studies the history of life on Earth through the analysis of fossils. Paleontologists typically work in museums or universities, where they analyze fossils to better understand the evolution of different species. This course can help paleontologists better understand the context of the fossils that they study by providing a deeper understanding of how the Earth and its life has progressed over time.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its various components, including the atmosphere, water, and soil. They may also focus on the effects of human activity on the environment. This course can help environmental scientists better understand the long-term effects of human activity on the environment, as well as the geological processes that have shaped the environment over time.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its magnetic field, gravity, and seismic activity. They may also use geophysical methods to locate natural resources, such as oil and gas. This course can help geophysicists better understand the geological processes that have shaped the Earth, as well as the physical properties of the Earth's crust.

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Science Teacher

Science teachers typically work in secondary schools, where they teach students about science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. This course can help science teachers better understand the history of the Earth and its geological processes, which can help them to teach their students about the Earth's history and its place in the universe.

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Museum curator

Museum curators typically work in museums, where they are responsible for the care and display of museum collections. This course can help museum curators better understand the geological context of the artifacts that they curate, which can help them to create more informative and engaging exhibits.

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Park Ranger

Park rangers typically work in national parks, where they are responsible for protecting the park's natural resources and providing information to visitors. This course can help park rangers better understand the geological history of the park, which can help them to interpret the park's landscape and to educate visitors about the park's geology.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants typically work for companies or government agencies, where they provide advice on environmental issues. This course can help environmental consultants better understand the geological processes that can affect the environment, which can help them to provide more informed advice to their clients.

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Science Writer

Science writers typically work for magazines, newspapers, or websites, where they write articles about science for the general public. This course can help science writers better understand the geological processes that have shaped the Earth, which can help them to write more accurate and informative articles about the Earth's history.

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Energy Analyst

Energy analysts typically work for companies or government agencies, where they analyze data on energy production and consumption. This course can help energy analysts better understand the geological processes that can affect energy production, which can help them to make more informed decisions about energy policy.

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Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers typically work for companies or government agencies, where they design and construct structures that are built on or in the ground. This course can help geotechnical engineers better understand the geological processes that can affect the stability of structures, which can help them to design and construct safer and more durable structures.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists typically work for companies or government agencies, where they study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and in the ground. This course can help hydrologists better understand the geological processes that can affect the flow of water, which can help them to manage water resources more effectively.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers typically work for companies or government agencies, where they study the oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere and the land. This course can help oceanographers better understand the geological processes that have shaped the oceans, which can help them to conduct research on ocean currents, waves, and tides.

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Climatologist

Climatologists typically work for companies or government agencies, where they study the climate and its interactions with the atmosphere and the land. This course can help climatologists better understand the geological processes that have shaped the climate, which can help them to conduct research on climate change and its effects on the environment.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists typically work for universities or museums, where they study the remains of past human cultures. This course may be useful for archaeologists who want to specialize in the study of ancient human environments, as it can help them to better understand the geological processes that have shaped the Earth and its climate over time.

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Deep Time

Discovering an Ancient Earth

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