Learning objectives
At the end of the course, it is expected that the student will be able to:
- possess the basic knowledge of the physical structure of the Earth and its superficial and deep geological processes and their relationships with the biological activity
- know the methodologies and basic approaches of the geological survey
- know how to describe and classify the main rock types
- have acquired an integrated and dynamic vision of the Earth and of its evolution through the time- know
- how to read and interpret geological and geo-thematic maps
- know how to read and understand the main geological and geomorphological features of a territory
- possess the basic knowledge and critical capacity to better understand the relationships between man and environment and of the geologic, environmental and climatic hazards
- read and understand simple scientific texts in English
- preparing short technical-scientific reports about field trips experience and/or on specific assigned topics
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The course of GEOLOGY provides the students with the basic theoretical knowledge of Earth's processes and geological structures, of their evolution through the time and of their relationships with the biological activity and evolution. The course is intended to provide the students with elements to better understand the relationships between man and environment, focussing on geological, environmental and climatic hazards. During the course, laboratory exercises will be held for rock recognition and classification, reading of geological maps and field trips for understanding the geological features of the territory. Particular attention will be paid to providing the student with the methodological tools for carrying out a correct scientific analysis, for reading and understanding scientific texts and for the preparation of technical-scientific reports.
Full programme
- The scientific method
- Time and environmental changes: the geological perspective
ID: Knowledge and understanding
- Earth's structure and processes
- Plate tectonics and geodynamics
- The bio-geochemical cycles
- Factors controlling climate on Earth
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- The rocks and their genetic processes:
Igneous and metamorphic rocks, Sedimentary rocks
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Description and classification of rocks
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
- Basics of Stratigraphy and rock dating techniques
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Rock deformation
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Geological maps: read and use
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
- The Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth
- The Earth as a Self-Regulated System: the Gaia hypothesis
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Man and environment: the Earth system in the Anthropocene
- Geological and climate hazards - introduction to environmental geology
ID: Knowledge and ability understanding skills
- Reading and comprehension of scientific texts
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Structure and language of scientific reports
ID: Knowledge and Applied Capabilities, Communication Skills
Bibliography
Didactic material (slide, scientific articles) made available on the web
Suggested text book:
Gotzinger J., Jordan T.H. – Capire la Terra - Zanichelli, Bologna
Cockell C. - Earth-Life System - Cambridge University Press
Other suggested readings
Ricci Lucchi F. – La Scienza di Gaia – ambienti e sistemi naturali visti da un geologo – Zanichelli, Bologna
Bosellini A. - Storia geologica d'Italia Gli ultimi 200 milioni di anni - Zanichelli, Bologna
Lovelock J. – Gaia, nuove idee sull’ecologia – Bollati Boringhieri
Lovelock J. – Le nuove eta’ di Gaia – Bollati Boringhieri
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with multimedia tools, practical application of concepts through individual and group exercises (presence mandatory for the exercises)
Lesson will be given in the classroom but they will be recorded and made available through the online platform Elly
Assessment methods and criteria
Examination through:- a written test including the description and recognition of three rock samples and open answers to multiple choice questions on all the topics of the program
(ID: Knowledge and Capability of Understanding);
the tests assign a maximum of 3 points for each question/exercise up to a maximum score of 30;
- an oral test with presentation and discussion of a brief written (or multimedia) report about an assigned topic (ID: Knowledge and Applied Capability, Communication Skills)
The final score will be the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in the two tests
Exams will be held, if possible, in the classroom
Other information
Information on the content of the course (see below) are associated with the relative "Dublin Indicators" (DI) that characterize their purposes.
Dublin Indicators:
- Knowledge and understanding;
- Applying knowledge and understanding;
- Making judgements;
- Communication skills;
- Learning skills.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
The course provides basic knowledge about the environmental impact of climate change as indicated by the Targets of Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
