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- 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 of the structure and geological history of the Earth and, in particular, of the Mediterranean area- 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 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCES course provides the students with the basic theoretical knowledge of Earth's processes and geological structures, the mechanisms governing the Earth’s natural systems, of their evolution through the time and of the main geological survey techniques. The course is intended to provide the students with a general view of the disciplines that will be dealt in more detail during the three-year course in order to better understand their links. 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 methods in Geology
- Aims and scope of Geology
- Time and environmental changes: the geological perspective
ID: Knowledge and understanding
- Earth's structure and processes
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- The Origin of Life - The Earth as a Self-Regulated System: the Gaia hypothesis
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
- Basic Stratigraphy and rock dating techniques
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- The deformation of the rocks
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Geological maps: read and use
ID: Applied knowledge and 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;
- Plate tectonics and Geodynamics
ID: Knowledge and ability understanding skills
- Geological evolution of Alpine and Apennine systems (with field trips)
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
- Man and environment - Anthropocene - Introduction to the comprehension of geological and environmental hazards and of anthropogenic modifications
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
Bibliography
Didactic material (slide, scientific articles) made available on the web
text book:
Gotzinger J., Jordan T.H. – Capire la Terra - Zanichelli, Bologna
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
Hallam A. – Le grandi dispute della Geologia – Zanichelli, Bologna
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with multimedia tools, practical application of concepts through individual and group exercises in the classroom and on the field (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 practical test concerning the description and recognition of three rock samples; this text is preliminary ruling for the final examination and has to be repeated in case of negative result
- a written test consisting of open answers to 10 multiple choice questions concerning all the topics of the program
(ID: Knowledge and Capability of Understanding);
the test assigns a maximum of 3 points for each question/exercise up to a maximum score of 30;
- presentation and discussion of a brief written (or multimedia) report about field trips or other assigned topics (ID: Knowledge and Applied Capability, Communication Skills).
The final score will be the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in the written/practical tests and in the oral one.
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.
