General Geology

Recommended Prerequisites

 High School grades of Geology (12th year) and adequate knowledge on Portuguese and English linguistics. 

Teaching Methods

Theoretical: lectures with audiovisual resources, models and active participation of students through the discussion of ideas and concepts; Theoretico-practical: application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems through the resolution of  elemental exercises based in geologic maps and sections; Fieldwork: students will make field-work excursions with emphasis to the observation and practical understanding of minerals, rocks, structures and geologic units; Tutorial support: Teaching help answering questions, and support on the resolution of exercises and  preparation of  examinations.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide to the 1st grade student a broad introduction to the overall themes of Geological Sciences and its main scientific areas. Special emphasis will be give to a diversity of subjects related with Solar System and Earth's formation, Earth's dynamics including seismicitiy, volcanism and surface processes, Plate Tectonics, and Earth and Life history knowledge, focusing the relevance of Geology to Science, Technology, Society and Environment.

The skills to develop are:

Instrumental: competence in analysis and synthesis, skills to solve problems, competence in oral and written communication, computer knowledge concerning the scope of the study.

Personal: competence in critical thinking and competence in working in interdisciplinary teams.

Systemic: competence in applying theoretical knowledge in practice, competence in planning and managing, concern for quality, competence in autonomous learning.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. INTRODUCTION: Geology and its objectives. Importance in society and sustainable development. II. SOLAR SYSTEM AND EARTH: origin, evolution and main features of the Solar System. Earth’s differentiation. Origin of life. III. EARTH DYNAMICS: Earth as a closed system. Geological, hydrological and geochemical cycles. Internal and external geodynamics. IV. SEISMIC ACTIVITY: Earthquakes and tectonic plates. Seismic scales. Historical earthquakes. V. IGNEOUS ACTIVITY. Magmatic environment and igneous rocks. Nature and types of volcanism. VI. WEATHERING, EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION: Weathering and erosion of rocks. Sedimentation and diagenesis. VII. METAMORPHISM AND DEFORMATION OF ROCKS: Metamorphism, metamorphic rocks and deformation. Folds and associated structures. VIII. PLATE TECTONICS: Continental drift. Plate tectonics. IX. GEOLOGICAL RECORD AND THE HISTORY OF EARTH: relative and absolute ages, fossils and radiometric dating. Principles of stratigraphy. Earth's history and time scale.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 5.0%
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Frequency: 25.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Alves, E. I. (2010). Pequeno Atlas do Sistema Solar. Imprensa da Universidade, Coimbra.

Castilho, A. (1995). Cartas topográficas e geológicas. Uma introdução ao seu estudo. Texto policopiado, DCT/FCTUC, Coimbra.

Lisle, R.J.; Brabham, P. & Barnes, J.W. (2016). Basic Geological Mapping. 5th. ed. John Wiley & Sons, UK.

Macedo, R. & Sousa, B. (1986). Leitura e Interpretação de cartas geológicas. Texto policopiado, DCT/FCTUC, Coimbra.

Press, F., Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Jordan, T.H. (2020). Understanding Earth. 8th ed. Freeman and Company, USA.

Plummer, C.C.; Carlson, D. & Hammersley, L. (2019). Physical Geology. 16th ed. McGrawHill, UK.

Skinner, B.J. & Porter, S.C. (2016). The Dynamic Earth. John Wiley & Sons, UK.