Geology and sustainability
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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 a similar length and addresses your skills balance.
The first 18 weeks of the module comprises 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. A focus is on the feedback loops that characterise 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. A focus is on the relationship of the oceans 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 examine 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 of this nature 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 summarising your investigation.
You will learn
This module focuses on developing personal skills, professional skills and employability skills. In particular, effective communication with various audiences using graphical and written methods, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. You’ll learn how to apply knowledge and understanding to evaluate and address challenges at the interface of geology and sustainability. You’ll further your skills in finding and utilising different lines of evidence and appreciating the limits of current knowledge. The final assessment spans the last 13 weeks of the module and culminates in the production of a website. This work develops your communication, planning and collaborative skills in a supportive environment with your peers, encouraging your independence.
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
- equivalent work at another higher education institution.
Preparatory work
We recommend you’ve completed:
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- course-specific module materials and activities
- audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- module discussion area.
Where possible, materials will also be available in Microsoft Word and as PDFs, but some materials and activities will be unsuitable for these formats.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.