The sustainability of the relationship between humans and Earth is at the core of this module. Humans depend on planet Earth; it provides everything from a habitable biosphere to the raw materials needed to manufacture goods and produce energy. However, in going about our activities, from daily life to the extraction of mineral resources, we’re placing our planet under severe strain. By studying Earth as a connected system, you'll examine how potential solutions to sustainability problems in the geology field could also have negative consequences – navigating this complexity is another critical component of this module.
What you will study
Each topic is of a similar length and addresses your skills balance.
The first 18 weeks of the module comprise five topics:
Earth’s climate system
This topic explores the theory and geological record of climate change. It gives you the tools to understand Earth’s climate regulation over geological timescales. The focus is on the feedback loops characterising the climate system and the nature of tipping points that can lead to rapid change when critical thresholds are crossed.
Oceans
This topic explores the world’s oceans, including their physical structure and the geological record of their history and evolution. It focuses on the oceans' relationship to Earth’s climate and ocean changes that result from human activity. Another focus is appreciating the critical role oceans will play in Earth’s future and the need for humans to adapt to changing conditions.
Hard-rock geology and resources
In this topic, you’ll explore the geology underlying the deposition of minerals that are key economic resources. It gives you tools to understand why certain minerals are deposited in particular regions and experience acquiring and analysing data. This topic will also explore the tension between mining practices and the need to minimise the climatic impacts of industrial activity.
Life and time
This topic involves studying how Earth’s ecosystems have evolved and examining how geological time is established. You’ll discuss how ancient ecosystems are represented in the fossil record and how life has responded to critical intervals of environmental change in the geological past. You’ll explore the importance of quantifying the rates of processes in the geological past and examine the significance of human impact on the earth system in the context of geological time.
Volcanoes: a GIS perspective
This topic involves exploring geographic information systems (GIS) and using them to define and examine geological issues. You’ll first learn the basic anatomy and essential functions of GIS. Then, you’ll experience how GIS software works by completing hands-on activities via a web browser – creating maps, adding data and posing geological questions. You’ll also practice your new skills using GIS analysis to solve real-world geological problems.
The final 13 weeks of the module focus on an in-depth investigation of a problem at the interface between geology and sustainability. The first part of this investigation involves scoping and summarising issues you’ve encountered in weeks 1–18 and found in the scientific literature. You’ll do this part of the investigation in collaboration with your peers. The second part of this investigation involves independently producing a website or poster summarising your investigation.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need an appropriate knowledge of earth sciences obtained through:
OU level 1 and 2 study or
equivalent work at another higher education institution.
Preparatory work
We recommend that you’ve passed:
Science: concepts and practice (S112) and
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) or Earth science (S209).
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
The TMAs assess your learning in the first 18 weeks. The assessment focuses on communicating scientific concepts and issues and involves both graphical and written communication methods.
The EMA assesses your in-depth investigation of a problem (in the last 13 weeks) in two ways. The first part involves collaboration with your peers; however, we don't assess this. Instead, we assess your reflection on working with others. The second part involves your independent production of a poster or a website that communicates your investigation.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
alternative format module materials (e.g. Word, PDF).
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S319 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
Geology and sustainability (S319) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.