Download Introduction to Geology

Course
Specifications
Valid as from the academic year 2017-2018
Introduction to Geology (A003310)
Course size
Credits 5.0
(nominal values; actual values may depend on programme)
Study time 135 h
Contact hrs
45.0 h
Course offerings and teaching methods in academic year 2017-2018
A (semester 2)
practicum
10.0 h
lecture
25.0 h
seminar: coached exercises
10.0 h
Lecturers in academic year 2017-2018
De Grave, Johan
Louwye, Stephen
WE13
WE13
lecturer-in-charge
co-lecturer
Offered in the following programmes in 2017-2018
Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology
Abridged Bachelor's Programme in Archaeology for Bachelors
Preparatory Course Master of Arts in Archaeology
crdts
5
5
5
offering
A
A
A
Teaching languages
Dutch
Keywords
System Earth, genesis of the Earth, core and mantle dynamics, plate tectonics,
Biosphere evolution, minerals, stones, ores, weathering, geology of Belgium
Position of the course
‘System Earth’ is an exciting introduction to the basic functioning of our planet, with
emphasis on the interaction between the Geosphere, the Hydrosphere, the Atmosphere
and the Biosphere. The Geology component of this course introduces the structure of
the Earth in terms of its genesis, and explains the way the Earth works. Milestones in
the evolution of Life are discussed. Lectures on the composition of the world covers
fundamental notions about minerals, rocks, ores, weathering and environment.
Contents
Structure and dynamics of the Earth. Genesis of Earth and Moon. The major dynamic
cells of the Earth and their interaction spheres. Dynamics of core and mantle. Plate
tectonics. Composition of the Earth. Crystallography and mineralogy. Volcanism,
intrusions and magmatic petrology. Weathering, sedimentary processes and
sedimentary petrology. Metamorphism and its relation to plate tectonics; metamorphic
petrology. About orogenesis and the geology of Belgium. The geological time-scale:
absolute age dating, the rules of stratigraphy and the relative geological timescale.
Introduction to the biosphere evolution and palaeontology. Overview of the geology of
Belgium, relation between landscape and bedrock and between bedrock and flora. The
Quaternary and landscape.
Practicals:
• crystallography and mineralogy
• mineral identification
• magmatic rocks
• sedimentary rocks
• metamorphic rocks
Initial competences
To have a basic knowledge of science of secondary education level.
Final competences
(Proposal)
1
1 To have a basic knowledge of and insight in the origin, mode of formation and
1 characteristics of minerals and rocks
2 to be able to describe and identify hand specimens of minerals and rocks
3 To have a basic knowledge of how the geological time scale has been constructed.
4 To have a basic knowledge of how sedimentary basins can be formed and deformed
1 to mountains.
5 To have a basic knowledge of the geology of Belgium, of where certain lithologies do
1 occur, their age; the relation between the composition of the subsurface and the
1 geomorphology with the accent on archaeological context and on the Quaternary
1 geological history
6 Explain what a geological map is (Quaternary and subsurface maps), to be able to
1 extract the geological information from it and to look up geological information in
1 geological databases.
Conditions for credit contract
Access to this course unit via a credit contract is determined after successful competences
assessment
Conditions for exam contract
This course unit cannot be taken via an exam contract
Teaching methods
Lecture, practicum, seminar: coached exercises
Extra information on the teaching methods
Lectures, with continuous illustrations. A number of the exercises is explained in the
lectures.
Learning materials and price
Syllabus distributed via Minerva.
References
Cnudde V., Dewanckele J., De Ceukelaire M. et al. (2009). Gent... Steengoed!
Academia Press, Gent. ISBN: 9789038214023
Herz N. & Garrison E.G. (1998). Geological methods for Archaeology. Oxford
University Press.
Rapp G.R. ( 1998). Geoarchaeology. Yale University Press.
Rapp G.R. (2002). Archaeomineralogy. Springer.
Course content-related study coaching
Interactive assistance during lectures, seminars and through e-learning environment
(Minerva). Coaching by professors and assistants; additional explanation by the
lecturers after appointment.
Evaluation methods
end-of-term evaluation and continuous assessment
Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the first examination period
Written examination with open questions
Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the second examination period
Written examination with open questions
Examination methods in case of permanent evaluation
Report
Possibilities of retake in case of permanent evaluation
examination during the second examination period is possible
Extra information on the examination methods
Periodical: Examination: written examination with open questions, questions with oral
comments and one handpiece of rock to determine (practice).
Non-periodical: permanent evaluation during exercises. Report on geological data from
one or two points in Belgium via geological databases and geological maps; report on
identification of building stones in historical building.
Participation in the non-periodical evaluation is obligatory.
Calculation of the examination mark
theory 85% , practice 15%
Facilities for Working Students
Every case will be looked at individually, no facilities will be allocated in advance.
(Proposal)
2