Geoscience Course

Lesson 1 • Rock Types and the Rock Cycle

Distinguishes igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and their genetic relationships. Links rock-forming processes to broader Earth system dynamics.

Lesson 2 • Geologic Time and Stratigraphy

Introduces relative and absolute dating methods and the geologic timescale. Enables accurate age assignment and stratigraphic correlation in field and lab work.

Lesson 3 • Minerals and Their Properties

Identifies rock-forming minerals by physical and chemical properties. Provides the vocabulary and identification skills essential for all lithologic analysis.

Lesson 4 • Earth's Surface Processes

Examines weathering, erosion, and sediment transport as landscape-shaping agents. Connects surface dynamics to subsurface resource distribution and hazard assessment.

Lesson 1 • Folds and Folding Mechanisms

Classifies fold geometries and explains their kinematic origins. Enables recognition and measurement of fold structures in field mapping and subsurface data.

Lesson 2 • Stress, Strain, and Rock Deformation

Defines stress and strain regimes and their effects on rock behavior. Provides the mechanical foundation for interpreting folds, faults, and fractures.

Lesson 3 • Faults and Fault Systems

Describes normal, reverse, and strike-slip fault kinematics and associated landforms. Connects fault geometry to seismic hazard and hydrocarbon trap analysis.

Lesson 4 • Plate Tectonic Theory

Reviews evidence for plate motion and the driving mechanisms of convection. Frames the global context for volcanism, seismicity, and basin formation.

Lesson 1 • Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality

Covers compaction, cementation, and dissolution processes that alter original sediment. Links diagenetic history to porosity and permeability in subsurface reservoirs.

Lesson 2 • Carbonate and Evaporite Systems

Describes carbonate factory processes, reef systems, and evaporite precipitation. Connects carbonate facies to porosity development and seal rock formation.

Lesson 3 • Sediment Transport and Deposition

Examines fluid dynamics controlling grain entrainment, transport, and settling. Establishes the physical basis for interpreting sedimentary structures and textures.

Lesson 4 • Clastic Depositional Environments

Characterizes alluvial, fluvial, deltaic, and deep-marine systems by their diagnostic facies. Builds skills for predicting reservoir geometry and quality in clastic sequences.

Lesson 1 • Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Covers fractionation of stable isotopes in water, carbon, and sulfur systems. Enables paleoclimate reconstruction and fluid source identification.

Lesson 2 • Radiogenic Isotope Systems

Introduces Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and U-Pb decay systems for geochronology and provenance. Connects isotopic signatures to crustal evolution and sediment sourcing.

Lesson 3 • Environmental Geochemistry

Addresses natural and anthropogenic contaminant behavior in soils, water, and sediment. Prepares students to assess geochemical risk and design remediation strategies.

Lesson 4 • Element Distribution in Earth Materials

Explains major, minor, and trace element behavior during magmatic and sedimentary processes. Provides the chemical framework for interpreting rock and fluid compositions.

Lesson 1 • Seismic Reflection and Refraction

Explains wave propagation, acquisition geometry, and processing workflows for seismic surveys. Builds competency in identifying reflectors, faults, and stratigraphic features.

Lesson 2 • Integrated Geophysical Interpretation

Combines multiple geophysical datasets to build consistent subsurface models. Develops critical evaluation skills for resolving ambiguity in geophysical interpretations.

Lesson 3 • Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods

Introduces resistivity, induced polarization, and electromagnetic techniques for shallow surveys. Connects electrical properties to lithology, fluid content, and contamination.

Lesson 4 • Well Logging and Borehole Geophysics

Covers gamma-ray, resistivity, density, and neutron logs for formation evaluation. Integrates borehole data with surface geophysics for subsurface characterization.

Lesson 1 • Groundwater Flow Principles

Applies Darcy's law and flow net analysis to quantify groundwater movement. Connects hydraulic gradients to recharge, discharge, and contaminant migration pathways.

Lesson 2 • Groundwater Quality and Contamination

Examines natural hydrochemistry and anthropogenic contamination sources in aquifer systems. Prepares students to assess water quality risk and prioritize remediation actions.

Lesson 3 • Pumping Tests and Aquifer Analysis

Covers pumping test design, data collection, and analytical methods for aquifer parameter estimation. Provides practical skills for well yield and sustainability assessment.

Lesson 4 • Groundwater Modeling and Management

Introduces numerical flow and transport modeling for aquifer management decisions. Links model outputs to sustainable yield, drawdown prediction, and policy support.

Lesson 1 • Resource Estimation and Classification

Applies geostatistical methods to estimate mineral and hydrocarbon resource volumes. Introduces classification frameworks used in reporting and investment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Ore Deposit Classification and Genesis

Classifies magmatic, hydrothermal, sedimentary, and supergene ore deposits by their formation processes. Provides the genetic framework for selecting exploration strategies.

Lesson 3 • Environmental Considerations in Resource Extraction

Addresses acid rock drainage, tailings management, and land rehabilitation in mining contexts. Connects resource development to responsible environmental stewardship.

Lesson 4 • Mineral Exploration Methods

Integrates geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing tools into systematic exploration programs. Develops target generation and drill-hole planning competencies.

Lesson 1 • Subsidence and Ground Deformation

Examines natural and human-induced subsidence from dissolution, compaction, and fluid withdrawal. Connects deformation monitoring to infrastructure risk and regulatory compliance.

Lesson 2 • Engineering Geology and Site Investigation

Applies geologic data to foundation design, tunneling, and slope engineering projects. Integrates geotechnical and geologic information for safe infrastructure development.

Lesson 3 • Volcanic Hazards and Monitoring

Identifies lava flow, pyroclastic, lahar, and gas hazard zones around active volcanoes. Introduces monitoring networks used for eruption forecasting and evacuation planning.

Lesson 4 • Seismic Hazard Assessment

Quantifies earthquake frequency, magnitude, and ground motion for site-specific hazard analysis. Supports land-use planning and infrastructure design in seismically active regions.