The Geology of Everyday Life: Understanding Our Planet
Are you curious about the natural world around you? Ever wondered how mountains form, why coastlines look the way they do, or what lies beneath the ground you walk on? Join professional geologist Andres Mesa on this 6-week summer course to learn more about the geology of everyday life.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 17 Jun 2025End Date: 22 Jul 2025Tue (Daytime): 15:45 - 17:45In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)Course Code: HS352Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £110.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This geology course offers you the chance to explore the fascinating processes that shape the Earth. From the rocks beneath your feet to the rising mountains and deep oceans, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how our planet has evolved over millions of years—and how it continues to change today.
Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, you’ll learn to recognize rock types in landscapes, understand the forces behind natural disasters like earthquakes and volcano explosions, and trace the geological history of places you visit or even fly over. Whether it's discovering how glaciers carve valleys or how the energy that powers our world comes from the Earth’s resources, you’ll leave with the tools to see the world through the eyes of a geologist.
What will we cover?
- Session 1: The Earth Beneath Our Feet – Rocks & Time “Why does everything that we see, come from rocks”
- Session 2: How Mountains Are Born – Tectonics & Landscapes Are the Himalayas growing?
- Session 3: How Water Shapes the World – Rivers, Canyons, and Coasts Why is the shape of the river Tames like it is?
- Session 4: Reading the Landscape – A Traveler’s Guide to Geology Why is Loch Ness a straight line?
- Session 5: Geology in the City – From Houses to Motorways “What is your house made of?”
- Session 6: Earth’s Climate – Changes Along Its History The Sahara was once a rainforest—how?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Evaluate rock types and their formation.
- Assess the immense timescales that shape our planet and be able to explain how rocks record Earth’s history
- Identify rocks in the field & use satellite images
- Understand how plate tectonics create mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
- Be able to recognize tectonic activity in action
- Understand how rivers, glaciers, and oceans constantly reshape the planet & learn to recognize the geological processes behind canyons, deltas and coastlines
- Discover how geology influences the materials used in buildings, roads, and infrastructure
- Understand how geological processes influence climate and landscapes
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A good standard of English is required. This is an introductory course - an interest in or passion for geology and a willingness to engage in class activities/discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through lectures, discussions and various class activities. Reading is encouraged to help you to get the most out of this course. Some basic activities to carry out at home may be included on this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We are currently adding more geology courses to the science and nature area. Please see our S & N section (currently based in the Humanities area) for further details.