Online Class: Geology 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
13Lessons
-
16Exams &
Assignments -
2,817Students
have taken this course -
8Hours
average time -
0.8CEUs
Course Description
Geology: Unraveling Earth's Secrets
Geology is an intricate tapestry that weaves the tale of our world and the universe beyond. This branch of science delves deep into understanding the Earth's composition, structure, and the processes that have shaped it over billions of years.
In the modern age, our everyday lives are profoundly intertwined with geology. Take a moment and think of the house you live in, the roads you traverse, or even the device you're using to read this. The raw materials for these structures and devices-be it stone, metal, or minerals-are products of geological processes. For example, the gold used in electronics doesn't just appear; it's the result of millennia of geological transformations and modern-day mining techniques.
But geology isn't just about identifying rocks or pinpointing where the next big gold deposit might be. It's about understanding the intricate relationships and interactions among Earth's systems. Such knowledge allows us to predict natural disasters, find new sources of energy, and even understand climate change better. When we harness this knowledge, we can make informed decisions to ensure a sustainable future, minimizing the adverse effects of our actions on the environment.
Furthermore, the significance of geology isn't confined to professionals directly involved in earth sciences. Civil engineers rely on geological surveys to ensure the ground they build upon is stable. Architects need to understand local stone types to design structures that blend with or stand out from their surroundings. Urban planners, government officials, and investors often turn to geologists for insights into land use and natural resource management.
This comprehensive course offers a journey through the vast landscape of geology, touching upon its many facets. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
- Introduction: Dive into the fundamental concepts of geology and understand its importance in our daily lives.
- Geology History: Explore the milestones in the evolution of geology as a science.
- Fossils and Earth History - Geologic Time: Time travel through Earth's history, marked by significant geological and biological events.
- Fossils and Earth History - The Eons and Eras: Delve deeper into specific time periods and the life forms that dominated them.
- Rock Types: Understand the classification of rocks and how they play an integral role in Earth's crust.
- Geomagnetism: Discover the Earth's magnetic field and its relevance in geology.
- Plate Tectonics: Uncover the dynamic movements of Earth's plates and the creation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
- Recycling and Renewal: Examine the processes that regenerate and transform our planet.
- Erosion: Learn about the forces that wear down and reshape the Earth's surface.
- Rock, Mineral, and Rock Cycle: A deep dive into the continuous cycle of rock formation, breakdown, and reformation.
- Rocks and Minerals: Identify and classify the countless minerals that make up the Earth's crust.
- Gemstones and Mining: Venture into the sparkling world of gemstones and the intricacies of mining.
- Conclusion: Reflect on the knowledge gained and the journey you've undertaken.
Each lesson is accompanied by relevant assignments, examinations, and netlinks, ensuring a holistic learning experience. As we traverse through the course, you'll not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop a newfound appreciation for the world beneath your feet.
Join us on this enlightening journey and gain a deeper, more profound understanding of the planet we call home. Whether you're a budding geologist, a curious student, or someone looking to gain more knowledge about the world around you, this course offers a world of discovery waiting to be unearthed.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. The Intriguing Chronicles of the Earth: Unveiling Our Planet's Geological Mysteries
Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Downloadable-10971.pdf
Lesson discussions: Where in the World?; Reasons for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 2. From Rocks to Riches: The Birth of Geology
Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-HomeWork-10972.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 2: Geology History
Lesson 3. Chronicles of Our Planet: The Geological Timescale
Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Downloadable-10973.pdf
Lesson discussions: Generating Interest
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
Lesson 4. Earth's History: A Quest Through Time
Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WordSearch-10974.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
Lesson 5. Earth's Hidden Treasures: The Journey from Coal to Diamonds
Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-HomeWork-10975.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam: Rock types
Lesson 6. Navigating Nature: The Power of the Compass
Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-Downloadable-10976.pdf
Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 6: Geomagnetism
Lesson 7. A Practical Guide to Solving Real-Life Geometry Problems
Lesson 7 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WordSearch-10977.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam: Plate Tectonics
Lesson 8. The Dynamic Dance of Earth's Geology: Recycling and Renewal
Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Downloadable-10978.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 8: Recycling and Renewal
Lesson 9. From Peaks to Valleys: The Journey of Erosion
Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-WordSearch-10979.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 9: Erosion
Lesson 10. Rocks & Minerals: The Building Blocks of Earth
Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Downloadable-10980.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 10: Rock, Mineral, and Rock Cycle
Lesson 11. The Hidden Tales in Rocks
Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-HomeWork-10981.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 11: Rocks and Minerals
Lesson 12. Gemstones and Mining: A Journey from the Earth to Beauty
Lesson 12 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-Downloadable-10982.pdf
Complete: Lesson 12 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 12: Gemstones and Mining
Lesson 13. Unveiling Earth's Secrets: The Art and Science of Geology
Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-10983.pdf
Lesson discussions: And the Winner Is...; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze geological data to evaluate the potential for earthquakes, mineral extraction, and sustainable resource management in various ecosystems.
- Identify and describe the dynamic processes that shape Earth's landscapes, including tectonic plate movements and volcanic activities, to assess their impact on natural hazards.
- Analyze the influence of technological advancements and interdisciplinary methods on the development and application of modern geological practices, such as GIS and computer modeling.
- Identify and describe the progression of geological thought from early human rock usage to modern geological science, citing key historical milestones and impact on technology.
- Define geologic time by categorizing major divisions, such as eons, eras, and periods, based on significant Earth events using the geological timescale.
- Describe the impact of Nicolaus Steno's principles on modern geology by identifying examples of original horizontality, crosscutting relations, and the principle of superposition in rock formations.
- Define the characteristics and significance of the Cenozoic Era as the 'Age of Mammals' and describe how evolutionary changes shaped modern biodiversity.
- Identify major geological and biological events of the Mesozoic Era, including the rise and extinction of dinosaurs, and their impact on subsequent eras.
- Define the three main categories of rocks and explain the processes that lead to their formation.
- Identify the distinctive characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and describe their roles in modern contexts.
- Demonstrate understanding of geomagnetic reversals by identifying periods in Earth's history when these events occurred and discussing potential implications.
- Define the difference between magnetic north and true north, and describe how this distinction impacts navigation.
- Define and explain the processes and significance of the Earth's layers in relation to plate tectonics.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

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- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
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Student Testimonials
- "It was a very interesting course, I learned a lot and enjoyed it. The material was presented in an easy to understand way. The course tutor marked the assessments very quickly which provided encouraging feedback as I progressed through the course. There were a lot of additional reference material links which was an added bonus." -- Patricia C.
- "I enjoyed this course. I thought it was hard, but interesting and I learned quite a bit of information." -- Erin F.
- "April was so helpful and great. I really liked her a lot would love to have her again as an instructor in the future if I take additional science courses." -- Piero G.
- "Good course - the instructor was prompt in grading assignments and tests, and in answering questions. Thanks for the experience!" -- Anne C.
- "The instructor was very fair and encouraging. When I had trouble in one lesson, she compared my results from previous lessons and determined I could do better, and allowed me to review the material and resubmit an exam." -- Timothy M.
- "instructor was very responive and graded assignments quickly." -- Nancy Y.
- "The instructor is very smart, available, and kind." -- Heaven B.
- "Very nice course." -- marios xenofon I.