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Anne Jay, Marcus Badger, and Nikola Rogic

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 The course is open to anyone with an interest in geology and the natural environment. It will be particularly useful for anyone considering an environmental science degree course or teachers who are looking for additional geology and geography resources to use in the classroom. You will need a camera capable of taking a digital photo – a smart phone is fine. You will also need a Flickr account – this is free and easy to use. You can use the hashtag #FLGeology to talk about this course on social media.

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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 The course is open to anyone with an interest in geology and the natural environment. It will be particularly useful for anyone considering an environmental science degree course or teachers who are looking for additional geology and geography resources to use in the classroom. You will need a camera capable of taking a digital photo – a smart phone is fine. You will also need a Flickr account – this is free and easy to use. You can use the hashtag #FLGeology to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Identifying igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
  • The rock cycle
  • Plate tectonics
  • Sources of metals and some of their uses in everyday life
  • The origins, exploration and uses of oil
  • Environmental impacts of using the Earth’s resources
  • Some methods of mitigating environmental issues

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Reviews summary

Beginner geology surveys

Geology in My Pocket is a course designed to introduce beginners to the basics of geology. The course is designed for those with no background in the subject and provides a comprehensive overview of the major concepts and ideas in geology.
Serves as a good introductory course for beginners.
"As a geography teacher, this course provided good supplementary knowledge."
Interactive activities keep you engaged.
"I enjoyed the videos and interactive tasks during the course."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for The Earth in My Pocket: an Introduction to Geology. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete The Earth in My Pocket: an Introduction to Geology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of geology, covering topics such as the Earth's structure, rocks, minerals, and geological processes. It is an excellent resource for those seeking a broad understanding of the field.
Takes a unique approach to geology, exploring the history of the Earth through the lens of a single pebble. It provides a captivating and accessible introduction to the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fossil record, covering the different types of fossils, their formation, and their significance for understanding the history of life on Earth.
This textbook focuses on the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials, such as rocks, minerals, and soils. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in geochemistry and geophysics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates and its role in shaping the Earth's surface.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of sediments, their formation, and their significance for understanding the Earth's history. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in sedimentology.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of rock structures, their formation, and their significance for understanding the Earth's history. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in structural geology.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of geology in German. It covers the fundamental principles of the field, as well as the geology of Germany.
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Takes a more in-depth look at the mineralogy and petrology of rocks. It valuable resource for students and researchers in geology and related fields.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. It is an essential reference for students and professionals in geology and related fields.
This comprehensive textbook explores the chemical processes that occur in the Earth and other planets. It covers a wide range of topics, including rock-forming processes, mineral chemistry, and the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the structural geology of the Earth. It covers topics such as rock deformation, faulting, and folding.
This field guide provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of rocks found on Earth. It is an essential resource for geologists and other scientists who work with rocks.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques used to identify and classify rocks and minerals in thin section. It is an essential resource for students and researchers in geology and related fields.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of metamorphic rocks. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in geology and related fields.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in geology and related fields.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of sedimentary rocks. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in geology and related fields.

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