2024

Geology

Name: Geology
Code: GEO14110L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Geology

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

Curricular unit with two main functions: (1) to give an overview of geology in order to provide students with the essential tools for understanding other disciplines related to the Earth sciences and (2) to address Geology topics with greater links to biological aspects.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

To qualify students on the main themes of Geology: origin of the Universe and Planet Earth, plate tectonics and major theories, the rock cycle: growth and recycling of the crust, characterization of the main groups of Minerals and Rocks, the weathering of the rocks and soils formation.
Addressing some Geology themes with greater connection to biological aspects: mineral groups with greater importance in biological activity, the rise of oxygen and the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, geological time and the evolution of life, the evolution of life forms on Earth and its relationship with paleogeographic evolution, mass extinction episodes and fossil record.

Contents

- The Earth Planet and its origins: Structure and Origin of the Universe (Big-Bang); Origin and differentiation of the Earth.
- Tectonic System: Continental drift; Oceanic expansion; Tectonic plates; Plate movement (the Wilson cycle).
- The Hydrological System: the origin and distribution of water; Hydrological cycle; Glaciations in the Quaternary; Groundwater.
- Geological Time and Evolution of Life: Geological Time Scale; Fundamental Principles; Discordances; Geological Time Scale; Absolute Date Methods: Isotopic Geochronology.
- The evolution of Life forms on Earth: Factors that conditioned their evolution; The Evolution of Life during Precambrian, Paleozoic and Mesozoic; Mass Extinctions: their causes and importance.
- Minerals: Structure; Silicate minerals; Groups with greater importance in biological activity.
- Rocks: Geological Cycle; Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks.
- Weathering: Physical and chemical processes.
- Factors of soil formation.

Teaching Methods

The curricular unit The UC will develop based on theoretical and practical teaching of some of the concepts addressed, in particular, the characterization and classification of the main groups of minerals and rocks. The lectures are plenary classes and are based on weekly exposure and structured presentation of slide show, with presentation of practical examples whenever appropriated and necessary. In practical classes, it is intended that students participate actively in the macroscopic observation of geological samples. The evaluation will be carried out through: (I) Theoretical examination; (II) Practical examination. The theoretical component will have a weighting of 60% and the practical component of 40%.