Elements of Geology

Code:

GEOL1005

Acronym:

GEOL1005

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Landscape Architecture

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:AP	31	Official Study Plan	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Understanding   the main geological phenomena through a global approach that involves the genesis, composition and evolution of our Planet assuming Earth as a dynamic system where processes occur as an interactive cycle involving both the Earth interior and  their external effects in  the surface shape. To be aware  of the importance of Geology in the balance that promotes the surface shape and the formation of the natural landscape.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that the student acquires a comprehension of the syllabus in a holistic approach, starting with more general and elementary theoretical  concepts that are gradually developed in an adequate and more detailed  procedure according to every  specific item, complemented by the aknowledge of the importance of the application to practical cases

Working method

Presencial

Program

1-   Geology as a Science
Historical evolution of Geoloogy as a science
Problems related with the actual observation of geological processes due to scale, space and time limitations.
Interdisciplinarity aspects.

2- The Earth Planet in the Solar System

3 - The geological cycle
Tectonic cycle.
Hydrological cycle.
Relation between the geological cycle and the tectonic cycle.

4 - Wilson cycle
Distribution of oceanic and continental reliefs, volcanism and seismic zones: their relationship with the tectonic plate boundaries.
Primary geochemical differentiation: mean composition of the crust and the mantle.

5 - Geological time
Relative chronology -  Principles  of Geology
Absolute age - the isotopic methods most applied in geochronology

6 - Rock deformation record: folds and faults.

7 - Physical aspects of the Earth
Seismology: types of seismic waves and their propagation
Seismic tomography and the the internal structure of the Earth

 

8 - Isostasy
Gravimetric anomalies. Pratt and Airy hypotheses

 

9- From minerals to rocks
Rock forming minerals. The silicate structure. Physical properties of the minerals

Magmatic rocks 
Bowen's reactiona series
Classification of magmatic rocks based on composition and macroscopic features

 

Sedimentary rocks
External geodynamic processes
Goldich series and degradation series
Diagenesis
Sedimentary structures
Classification of sedimentary rocks
Soil formation

Metamorphism and the metamorphic rocks
Factors and types of metamorphism
Strucutres of metamorphic rocks
Metamorphic facies. Isogrades
Classification of metamorphic rocks

 

10- Landforms. The geological story told in the landscape

 

11 - Fossil evolution and its importance in the geological time record

 

12- The main geological and tecnotic features of the Continental Portuguese territory



Note: The discriminated syllabus may  be subjected to alteration in the presentation order and eventually to the inclusion of a new subject if it is recognized as of interest for the students scientific formation.

Mandatory literature

Grotzinger John; Understanding earth. ISBN: 0-7167-6682-5

Teaching methods and learning activities

The theoretical classes are supported by videoprojection. Practical classes involve the observation of geological materials and the resolution of geological map sections. Questions and a general discussion on the subjects among the students interacting with the teacher are promoted.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	106,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

According to the pedagogical rules.

Calculation formula of final grade

Formula Evaluation: The final classification is the result of 70% of the final examination plus 30% relative to a written work. The participation in the classes is based on the effective presence. The final classification lies in the range between 0 and 20.