General Geology

Year
1
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01003963
Subject Area
Geosciences
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics acquired in High School.

Teaching Methods

Lectures with detailed exposition of concepts, principles and basic theories of geology, from the Earth genesis to the deep oceans and natural hazards. Presentation and discussion of several examples from media. Field work around the “Departamento de Engenharia Civil”, to observe and characterize several geological processes.

Laboratory practical classes where students, working in groups, describe minerals and rocks, the main constituents of the Earth. To make and interpret geological cross sections and other exercices in geological maps.

Learning Outcomes

To intend that students can develop skills, in the scope of General Geology, in the knowledge of the materials and processes that occur in the different sub-systems of the Earth. To emphasize the importance of Earth Sciences in Science and Technology, as well as in the Modern Society.

Specific skills:

- Ability to understand how the different sub-systems of the Earth work;

- Collect and analyze geological data using adequate methods of field and laboratory;

- Ability to read/analyze documents produced by geologists in the scope of course contents;

- Use adequately the scientific language, in the scope of General Geology, of written, verbal and graphic forms.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction: principles and methods in Geology.

2. The Planet Earth: structure and composition.

3. The solid materials of the Earth: generalities about minerals and rocks.

4. The Earth’s surface: weathering and erosion; soils, sediments and sedimentary rocks; mass flows; the water in the Earth – hydrological cycle, rivers, groundwater, oceans and glaciers; wind and deserts; landscape evolution; the role of the biosphere.

5. Earth’s interior: crustal movement; folds, faults and other deformation records; global tectonics; earthquakes; volcanoes.

6. Mineral, energetic and water resources.

7. Generalities about the geology and geological resources of Portugal.

8. Geology, Society and Environment.

Head Lecturer(s)

Luís Vítor da Fonseca Pinto Duarte

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Press, F., Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Jordan, T.H. (2003) - Understanding Earth, 4th ed. Freeman and Company, USA.

Plummer C. C. & McGeary, D. (1996) - Physical Geology. WCB Publishers, Dubuque.