Earth Science

Overview

This wide-ranging on-screen module introduces a scientific study of the earth across the spectrum of scale – from shifting continents to the microscopic; and time – from the 4.5 billion year age of the earth to geological processes that happen in a flash. The Earth Science module is offered by The Open University UK.

The teaching materials will develop your practical skills using geological maps, microscopes, and many types of field data, alongside developing your general science and study skills. You’ll also learn fieldwork skills via virtual field trips or the optional four-day residential field school (for which there is additional cost).

What you will study

The module will give you fundamental knowledge about how the Earth works, and demonstrate the extent to which Earth science is a part of everyday life.

The online material in this module is particularly exciting and innovative as you use a virtual microscope and a digital kit (containing minerals, rocks and fossils) for interactive practical activities. It also teaches map work and field skills using a number of virtual field trips and integral 3D software. 

Following an introduction to the module the topics covered include: minerals, rocks - the basics, constructing geological histories from maps and landforms, fossils, sedimentary processes, sedimentary environments and their geological record, the solid earth, volcanoes and magmas, recrystallizing the earth, deforming the earth, Cyprus case studies, and current issues in earth science.