Earth History: Reading the Rocks

Join us to explore how the sedimentary rocks that form on the surface of our Earth record evidence of the environments of the past.

In this course, through a mix of presentations and getting hands on with specimens of rocks and fossils, we will unravel the Earth’s history, learning to appreciate geological time through absolute and relative dating methods and how fossils chart the evolution of life.

You will apply this knowledge to investigate case histories from diverse periods of Scotland’s geological past and learn the skills to be able to explore geology in your own time, through a basic introduction to geological maps.

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Use observational and analytical skills to identify sedimentary rocks and understand how they formed in diverse environments
• Understand fossil preservation and the principles of radiometric dating to interpret the order of geological events within sedimentary rock sequences
• Start to develop an understanding of Scotland’s sedimentary record  
• Learn how to interpret simple geological maps. 

This course is best suited to those who have some previous knowledge or experience in Earth science and want to understand more about sedimentary rocks and fossils, and how they record past environments and the development of life on Earth.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is best suited to those who have some previous knowledge or experience in Earth science, be that through a prior qualification, your own learning or taking part in other informal learning opportunities.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.