Level I Geology Courses
Department of Geography and Geology
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
Tel: 876-927-2728 or 876-927-2129
Fax: 876-977-6029
Email: geoggeol@uwimona.edu.jm
Title: Earth Science 1: Earth Materials
and Plate Tectonics
Course Code: GEOL1101
Level: 1
Semester: 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: two science subjects at
CAPE or equivalent.
RATIONALE
Plate Tectonics is the under-riding
paradigm of modern Earth Science and
plays a pivotal role in developing a
student’s understanding of the Earth. This
course will provide an introduction to the
structure of the Earth and the principles
of plate tectonics. The course will also
begin building the key geological skills
necessary for a first year undergraduate
in observing, analyzing, describing and
classifying crystals, minerals and rocks.
The course is designed to develop the
student’s knowledge base in geology/earth
science at level 1 through lectures and
tutorials. In practical exercises the student
can use this knowledge base to describe and
identify specific minerals and rocks and
critically deduce their likely method of
formation. An introduction to fieldwork is
included to sensitize the student to the
importance of field observation in geology
and earth science.
1
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a course in physical geology and
introduces the study of earth materials and
earth systems. It is the foundation for
understanding how basic earth processes
work and how rocks and minerals are
formed. This course provides a basis upon
which all other courses in the Geology
major are built. It will also provide nonmajors with the essentials of earth science
which are invaluable for disciplines, such as,
Environmental Science and Material
Science.
This course introduces topics including: the
structure of the Earth, its internal processes,
and basic earth materials, minerals and
rocks. A central focus of the course is on the
paradigm of plate tectonics that is now seen
as the unifying concept linking earth
processes and materials in the rock cycle.
Practical instruction will provide the basic
skills of mineral and rock identification, and
will also cover volcanic and seismic
processes on broader regional and global
scales.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student will be
able to:
 Describe and explain the fundamental
structure of the Earth including the
Earth’s compositional layering and
layers of differing physical properties.
 Describe and justify plate tectonics
theory, inclusive of: the types of
lithospheric plate, the different types of
plate boundaries; the movement of the
plates, and how this is manifest in
volcanism and seismicity.
 Identify specific modern mantle hotspots,
and divergent, convergent, and
transform plate boundaries, especially
those in the greater Caribbean region.
 Describe and analyze minerals as
crystalline solids and rocks as
aggregates of minerals.
 Explain the basic structure of silicate
minerals and the polymerization of
silica tetrahedra.
 Identify and analyze common rock
forming minerals using their
fundamental physical properties.
 Describe the rock cycle and the formation
of igneous, metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks.
 Identify and describe common igneous,
metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in
hand sample.
CONTENT
This course will introduce the following
topics
 Earth Systems and the structure of the
Earth
 Plate Tectonics, Plate Boundaries and
Plate Movement
 Volcanism, Lava Composition and
Volcanic Hazards
 Earthquakes and Seismicity
 The Rock Cycle
 The Physical Properties of Minerals;
Mineral Polymorphs and Solid
Solution; the Silicates.
2
 The Formation and Classification of
Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic
Rocks.
COURSE DELIVERY METHODS
Lectures
Practicals
(12 × 2 hours)
Field trip
Tutorials
Total
Contact
Hours
18
24
Credit
Hours
18
12
6
6
3
6
39
DELIVERY METHODS/APPROACHES
In the Laboratory classes students will
observe, analyze, record and classify
selected mineral specimens, as well as
igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
rocks. Additional laboratories will
concentrate on plate tectonics, volcanoes
and earthquakes. The field trip will examine
rocks and geological features.Tutorial
sessions will review lecture and practical
material, and will include DVD
programmes covering topical issues
(current tectonic, volcanic and seismic
activity globally and in the Caribbean
region) in geology/earth science.
ASSESSMENT
In-course test (1 hour) 10%
Title: Earth Science 2: Earth Processes
and Earth History
Field trip (assessment of field questionnaire)
5%
Course Code:
GEOL1102
Level:
1
Two Tutorial assignments (2.5% each) 5%
Semester:
1
2 hour Practical examination 30%
Credits:
3
One 2-hour theory examination 50%
Pre-requisites:
Two science
subjects at CAPE or equivalent
READING LIST/ MATERIALS
Prescribed Text(s):
Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010.
Understanding Earth, 6th Edition, W.H.
Freeman and Co., New York,
Recommended Reading:
Prothero, D. and R. Dott, 2010. Evolution of
the Earth, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill,
New York.
Stanley, S. M., 2009. Earth System History,
3rd Edition. W.H. Freeman and Co.,
New York, (ISBN 1-4292-0520-2).
Web Resources:
http://www.usgs.gov/
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolM
useum/index.htm (Geology Museum, the
University of the West Indies)
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/earthquake/
(Earthquake Unit, The University of the
West Indies)
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/
RATIONALE
This course introduces the Principle of
Uniformitarianism (the present is the key
to the past) as an underlying paradigm of
earth science through knowledge of the
various physical and chemical processes
operating on the Earth. These processes
are central to developing a student’s
understanding of how geological
processes work and are used to explain
the formation of different landforms in
different environments. An appreciation
of the history of the Earth is also crucial to
geological thinking; students must be
capable of rationalizing the development
of the Earth, the changing processes that
have shaped the planet, the development
and evolution of life, and the values of
absolute versus relative dating methods.
The course is designed to develop the
student’s knowledge base in geology/earth
science at level 1 through lectures and
tutorials. In practical exercises the student
will use this knowledge base to identify
features on topographic maps and produce
topographic profiles.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course in physical geology involves the
study of the different physical and chemical
processes that operate within different
environments and produce a range of
geomorphological features on the Earth. The
3
course will cover the introductory aspects of
physical geology including: weathering and
erosion; landforms (rivers, slopes,
coastlines, arid lands and glaciated
environments); and the use of topographic
maps. An appreciation of the processes
acting on the Earth’s surface and how they
can be used to interpret Earth history is
central to understanding the global
distribution of rocks, geologic features and
earth resources. This course also provides an
introduction to historical geology – origin of
the Earth, origin of life on Earth, and the
geological timescale – with an emphasis on
using present geological processes to
interpret the past.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student will be
able to:
 Describe the processes of weathering,
erosion and soil formation.
 Define geomorphic features associated
with landforms, rivers, slopes,
coastlines, arid lands and glaciated
environments.
 Recognize features on topographic maps
and determine elevations, measure
distances, calculate bearings and
gradients, manipulate scales and
construct topographic profiles.
 Reproduce the geologic time scale
including geochronologic and
chronostratigraphic units.
 Define and distinguish between relative
and numerical methods of age
determination.
 Explain the Principle of
Uniformitarianism and the basic
Principles of Stratigraphy and how they
can be used.
4
 List and discuss the fundamentals of
lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and
magnetostratigraphy.
 Indicate the origin of the Earth and
present geologic evidence for
conditions on the early Earth.
 Describe how life developed on Earth
and sketch the likely succession of
evolutionary events during the early
history of life.
 Detail Phanerozoic tectonic and
evolutionary history; including: the
timing of major plate movements; and
the major biotic radiations and
extinction events up to the evolution of
modern Homo sapiens.
CONTENT
This course will introduce the following
topics
 Physical and chemical weathering;
 Erosional and depositional features of
rivers;
 Erosional and depostional features of
winds;
 Glaciers – landforms formed from glacial
erosion and deposition;
 Mass wasting;
 Coastlines;
 Geologic time;
 Principles of Stratigraphy;
 Lithostratigraphy;
 Biostratigraphy;
 Magnetostratigraphy;
 Numerical age dating;
 Origin of the Earth and the early Earth;
 Origin and early history of life;
 Phanerozoic history of life;
 Phanerozoic tectonic and environmental
history;
 Geological history of the Caribbean.
COURSE DELIVERY METHODS
Lectures
Practicals
(12 × 2 hours)
Field trip
Tutorials
Total
Contact
Hours
18
24
Credit
Hours
18
12
6
6
3
6
39
DELIVERY METHODS/APPROACHES
In practicals, students will master
topographic maps and make observations
about how physical properties of erosion,
transport and deposition have sculpted the
earth’s surface. They will also be introduced
to fossils and biostratigraphy, reconstructing
geologic history and sedimentary facies and
environments. The field trip will examine
rocks and geological features. Tutorial
sessions will review lecture and practical
material, and will include DVD
programmes covering topical issues
(popular articles on recent discoveries in
earth science and palaeontology) in
geology/earth science.
ASSESSMENT
Course work 10%
Field trip exercise 5%
Two tutorials (2.5% each) 5%
2 hour Practical final examination 30%
One 2-hour theory examination 50%
READING LIST/ MATERIALS
Prescribed Texts:
Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010.
Understanding Earth, 6th Edition, W.H.
Freeman and Co., New York.
5
Recommended Reading:
Prothero, D. and R. Dott, 2010. Evolution of
the Earth, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill,
New York.
Stanley, S. M., 2009. Earth System History,
3rd Edition. W.H. Freeman and Co.,
New York, (ISBN 1-4292-0520-2).
Web Resources:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/index.php
http://www.usgs.gov/
http://www.paleoportal.org/
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolM
useum/index.htm (Geology
Museum, the University of the
West Indies)
Prerequisites: two science subjects at
CAPE or equivalent.
not only for understanding and interpreting
geological problems, but also because this is
where all raw mineral resources necessary
for life in the 21st century come from. The
course will present the basic techniques in
recognizing crystal form and mineral optics
that are critical in preparing the student for
more advanced work in petrography and
petrology. The course will also consider the
distribution and abundance of mineral
resources.
RATIONALE
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The observation, analysis, description and
classification of minerals and rocks are
important skills to develop in students
studying earth science. This course develops
the theoretical knowledge and critical
practical expertise in mineral identification
using a hand lens to investigate ‘hand
specimens’ and a petrographic microscope
to investigate ‘thin sections.’ These basic
skills are essential for the identification of
ore and industrial minerals as well as in the
investigation of sedimentary, igneous and
metamorphic rocks that will be introduced in
advanced level courses.
At the end of the course, the student will be
able to:
 Describe crystal construction in terms of
cation (and anion) polyhedra.
 Define coordination number and describe
typical coordination states seen in
minerals.
 Explain Pauling’s rules of crystal
structures of complex ionic crystals.
 Identify the Mineral Crystal Systems
 Describe and give examples of
polymorphic reactions and ionic
substitution.
 Indicate the basic crystal chemistry of
silicate minerals and typical
coordination states for common cations
in these minerals.
 Identify minerals from the carbonate,
oxide, native element, sulphide and
sulphate mineral groups.
 Explain the formation of common types
of mineral deposits and give examples
of important ore minerals from each.
 Describe the formation of common
gemstones and the general physical and
optical properties of gems.
 Explain the fundamentals of mineral
optics including refractive index and
Snell’s Law.
Title: Earth Science 3: Minerals and
Mineral Deposits
Course Code: GEOL1103
Level: 1
Semester: 2
Credits: 3
The course is designed to develop the
student’s knowledge base in geology/earth
science at level 1 through lectures and
tutorials. In practical exercises the student
must use this knowledge base to describe
and identify different minerals, including
rock-forming minerals and minerals of
economic value. The student will also
develop skills in the identification of typical
rock-forming minerals under the
petrographic microscope.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course physical geology introduces
minerals as the basic building blocks of
rocks. The study of minerals is an essential
part of the study of geology/earth science,
6
 Describe and give examples of isotropic
and anisotropic crystals and uniaxial
and biaxial crystals.
 Classify common rock forming and
economic minerals based on physical
properties.
 Explain different types of mineral
twinning and mineral pseudomorphs.
 Describe the features of a typical
petrographic microscope.
 Identify common minerals optics in thin
section based on optical properties.
COURSE DELIVERY METHODS
Lectures
Practicals
(12 × 2
hours)
Tutorials
Total
Contact
Hours
18
24
Credit
Hours
18
12
9
41
6
39
DELIVERY METHODS/APPROACHES
CONTENT
This course will introduce the following
topics
 Crystal Construction, Polyhedra and
Coordination Number;
 Pauling’s Rules of crystal structures of
complex ionic crystals;
 Mineral Crystal Classes and Symmetry;
 Polymorphic Reactions and Ionic
Substitution;
 Silicate Structures;
 Mineral Groups;
 The Characteristics of Gemstones;
 Snell’s Law and Mineral Optics;
 Basic Petrographic Techniques;
 Crystal growth, twinning and
psuedomorphism;
 Ores and Mineral Deposits;
 Metallic Mineral and Industrial Mineral
Resources.
The practicals will be divided into two
groups: in practicals 1-6 students will
investigate crystals and minerals in ‘hand
specimen’ using a hand lens; and in
practicals 7-12 they will examine rockforming minerals in ‘thin section’ under the
petrographic microscope. Tutorial sessions
will review lecture and practical material
using the resources of the UWI Geology
Museum. They will include DVD
programmes covering topical issues in
geology and earth science. Tutorial
sessions will also use computer, library
and web resources.
ASSESSMENT
In-course examination (1 hour) 11%
Tutorials (three assignments, 3% each) 9%
Two-hour practical examination 30%
Two-hour theory examination 50%
READING LIST/ MATERIALS
Prescribed Texts:
Klein, C and Dutrow, B. 2008. Manual of
Mineral Science, 23rd Edition, John
Wiley & Sons.
7
Recommended Reading:
Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010.
Understanding Earth, 6th Edition, W.H.
Freeman and Co., New York.
Montgomery, C. W. 2008. Environmental
Geology, 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New
York.
Web Resources:
http://www.usgs.gov/
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolM
useum/index (Geology Museum, the
University of the West Indies)
http://www.nrl.navy.mil/lattice/index
http://neubert.net/Crystals/CRYStruc
http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/
xtal/
Title: Earth Science 4: Geological maps
and Environmental Geology
Course Code: GEOL1104
Level: 1
Semester: 2
Credits: 3
Pre-requisites: Two science subjects at
CAPE or equivalent
RATIONALE
This course introduces two important new
topics: how rocks are structurally related to
one another, and the importance of geology
to the environment. An understanding of
structural geology allows students to explain
and predict the distribution of rocks and
mineral resources. Such information is
conventionally displayed on geological
maps and the analysis and interpretation of
geological maps (two-dimensional
representations of a three-dimensional
world) are key skills to develop. Students
must also develop a deep awareness of how
the exploitation of natural geological
resources, the deposal of waste products,
and various geological hazards are
increasing affecting the world we live in.
The course is designed to develop the
student’s knowledge base in geology/earth
science at level 1 through lectures and
tutorials. Practical exercises will develop the
student’s skills in presenting, analyzing and
interpreting structural data and geological
maps. The student will also develop an
awareness of energy resources,
environmental geology and hydrogeology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a course in physical
geology/earth science and provides students
with skills to understand structural geology
8
and geological maps as well as providing an
introduction to environmental geology,
geological hazards and basic concepts of
environmental pollution. In structural
geology the student will learn how to
describe, measure, and analysis planar and
linear features in rocks, including folds,
faults, and fabrics. Geological map
interpretation will allow the recognition of
how rock relationships are depicted on maps
and practical classes will concentrate on the
construction of geological cross-sections and
the interpretation of geological histories. In
environmental geology students will be
introduced to the natural and anthropogenic
physical and chemical factors that affect the
environment, with topics including: climatic
change and the combustion of fossil fuels;
ocean pollution; toxic and radioactive waste
disposal; land use management; geological
hazards; water resources; and energy
resources.
 Discuss the various forms of energy
available including non-renewable and
renewable forms.
CONTENT
This course will introduce the following
topics
 Structural Geology: Folds, Faults and
Fabrics and their relationships to
Tectonic Settings;
 The interpretation of Geological Maps;
 Environment geology and pollution;
 Energy Resources: oil, gas, coal, nuclear,
geothermal, hydro, solar, wind, tidal;
 Hydrogeology
 Pollution
 Liquid and Solid Waste
 Radioactive Waste
COURSE DELIVERY METHODS
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student will be
able to:
 Describe the different structural features,
such as, folds, faults, joints in the field.
 Identify the different geologic structures
on a geologic map and construct the
cross-section and the sequence of
occurrence of the different structural
events.
 Discuss the tectonic settings under which
the different geologic structures
originate.
 Locate the different types of
environmental hazards and their causes
 Explain the effects of coal and petroleum
combustion on the environment.
 Define the hydrological cycle and the
factors affecting the balance of the
hydrological cycle.
9
Contact
Hours
Credit
Hours
Lectures
18
18
Practicals (12
× 2 hours)
24
12
Field Trip
6
3
Tutorials
6
6
Total
39
DELIVERY METHODS/APPROACHES
Practicals will concentrate on understanding,
analyzing and interpreting geological
structures and geological maps. This will
involve the construction of geological crosssections on topographic profiles and will be
continuously assessed. There will also be a
short series of practical exercises related to
other parts of the course (Remote images
and geology; Hydrogeology; Petroleum
Geology) that will also be continuously
assessed. The field trip will examine rocks
and geological features. Tutorial sessions
will review lecture and practical material
using the resources of the UWI Geology
Museum. They will include DVD
programmes covering topical issues (current
geological hazards and environmental issues
both globally and relevant to the Caribbean
region) in geology and earth science.
ASSESSMENT
Laboratory exercises (6 at 6% each) 36%
Field trip (assessment of field notebook) 9%
Tutorials (two assignments, 2.5% each) 5%
One 2-hour theory examination 50%
READING LIST/ MATERIALS
Prescribed Texts:
Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010.
Understanding Earth, 6th Edition, W.H.
Freeman and Co., New York.
Recommended Reading:
Keller, A. E. 2010. Environmental Geology,
9th Edition, Prentice Hall.
Montgomery, C. W. 2008. Environmental
Geology, 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New
York.
Web Resources:
http://www.usgs.gov/
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolM
useum/index.htm Geology Museum, the
University of the West Indies)
10
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/earthquake
(Earthquake Unit, The University of the
West Indies)