Overview

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Course video

Your introduction to modern Earth Sciences with application to the Geology of hydrocarbon, hydrogeology and geothermal energy.

Are you fascinated by Geosciences and willing to take the challenge of predicting the nature and behavior of the Earth subsurface? This is your course!

In a voyage through the Earth, you will explore the Earth interior and master the processes forming mountains and sedimentary basins. You will understand how sediments are formed, transported, deposited and deformed. You will also acquire basic knowledge on the two most important sources of subsurface energy: hydrocarbons and water (this in terms of hydrogeology and geothermal energy)geothermal! Key knowledge in times of global change climate change and energy transition!

The course focuses on fundamental processes, exploring their nature and quantitative interactions. It will show you how to use the acquired knowledge to predict the nature and behavior of the Earth subsurface.

This is your ideal first step as a future Geoscientists or professional to upgrade your knowledge in the domain of Earth Sciences. Skilled professionals are key for the safe and responsible use of the Earth subsurface.

What you'll learn:

  • the basics of plate tectonics
  • processes which control the formation of mountains and sedimentary basins
  • how sediments are formed, transported and deposited
  • how rocks are deformed and how knowledge of deformation increases the reliability of subsurface predictions
  • hydrocarbon geology
  • hydrogeology
  • geology of geothermal energy (from high to low temperatures)

Details

Course Syllabus

Week 1: Warming up. The three main rock types, the structure of the Earth and plate tectonics

Week 2: Horizontal deformations, vertical movements and the formation of mountains and basins

Week 3: Climate and how siliciclastic sediments are produced and transported

Week 4: Deposition in the marine domain

Week 5: Hydrocarbon geology

Week 6: Geology of geothermal energy

Weeks 7 & 8: Round-up

Admission

This is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that runs on edX.

Prerequisites

High school mathematics, physics and natural sciences.

  • Starts: Apr 16, 2025
  • Free | Earn certificate for $139
  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Effort: 8 - 10 hours per week
  • Format: Online course

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