Introduction to Earth Sciences

Code:

GEOGR072

Acronym:

ICT

Instance: 2016/2017 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geography

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
GEOGR	89	GEOGR - Study Plan	1	-	6	-
HISTO	2	HISTO - Study Plan	2	-	6	-
			3

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1. Apprehend the concepts of change and evolution of the Earth as a dynamic system in which interact the different terrestrial 'spheres' (subsystems).


2. To know the geological time scale and its implications in terms of processes that determines the environment dynamics.


3. Understand and frame the information related with the principles and theories linked to plate tectonics, and its structural and geomorphological implications.


4. Identify and describe the characteristics of the main types of minerals and rocks.


5. To define and compare the terrestrial biomes.


6. Review and discuss the diversity and interdependence of natural and man-made environments, looking for relevant and updated information from different, appropriate and credible sources.

Learning outcomes and competences

1. 
   
   Understand that the Earth functions as a system that articulate all biogeophysical and anthropogenic components;
   
   


2. 
   
   To apply the fundamental basics, related morphostructural and biogeographical characteristics of the planet, in spatial and temporal terms;
   
   


3. 
   
   Analyze the information available for each theme, building a coherent and integrated body of theory;
   
   


4. 
   
   Elaboration of practical exercises, playing them on the basis of theoretical concepts.
   
   


5. 
   
   To develop a critical attitude to geographical knowledge, enabling them to internalize the importance of the interrelationship between factors.
   
   

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not applicable.

Program

THEORY

1. Earth, a planet evolving; 1.1. The Earth System and its subsystems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere; 1.2. Geological time scale; 1.3. Key events associated with the evolution of the Earth; 1.4. Elementary principles of stratigraphy.

2. Plate Tectonics: Earth moving; 2.1.Inner earth structure; 2.2. The theory of plate tectonics; 2.3. Types of contacts and their implications; 2.4. Orogeny and plate tectonics.

3. Petrogenetic cycle and rocks classification; 3.1. The petrogenetic cycle; 3.2. Rock-forming minerals; 3.3. Magmatic rocks: genesis, composition and classification; 3.4. Sedimentary rocks: sediment genesis and typology; 3.5. Metamorphic rocks: types of metamorphism and associated metamorphic rocks.

4. Biosphere; 4.1. Biosphere organization and functioning; 4.2. Major Biomes and their distribution; 4.3. Impacts of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.

PRACTICE

1. Key elements of Topographic Mapping; 1.1. Cartographic series of Instituto Geográfico do Exército; 1.2. Topographic profiles; 1.3. Hypsometric maps; 1.4. Slope calculation.

2. Macroscopic identification of minerals and rocks

3. Key elements of the Geological Mapping 3.1. Analysis and interpretation.

Mandatory literature

BRIGGS, D.; SMITHSON, P.; ADDISON, K.; ATKINSON, K. ; Fundamentals of the Physical Environment. , Routledge, 1997
COSTA, J.B. ; Estudo e classificação das rochas por exame macroscópico, Fundação Caloust Gulbenkien, 2008
GRADSTEIN, F.; OGG, J.; A Geologic Time Scale, Cambridge University Press, 2006
PEDRAZA GILSANZ, J.; Geomorfología. Principios, Métodos y Aplicaciones, Rueda, 1996
PIDWIRNY, M. ; Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Web edition , 2006
RITTER, M. ; The Physical Environment: An Introduction to Physical Geography, Web edition , 2006
STRAHLER, A. ; Geologia Física, Omega, 1997
WILLIE, P.J. ; A Terra. Nova Geologia Global, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 1995

Comments from the literature

More specific references (complementary reading) will be given to students during classes.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Diversified methods of teaching and learning will be used, combining theoretical presentations, viewing and discussion of documentary films and the realization of application exercises in order to allow students to apprehend and fulfill the above mentioned skills.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science > Physical geography

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
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

Final exam and presence in 75% of classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

The classification of this UC will be the result of final exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According the evaluation rules of the FLUP.

Classification improvement

According the evaluation rules of the FLUP.
See documents approved by the Pedagogic Council.
(https://sigarra.up.pt/flup/pt/conteudos_geral.ver?pct_pag_id=1009450&pct_parametros=pv_unidade=127&pct_grupo=7387#7387)