Course Description

This course will offer insight into the mechanisms of natural geological disasters and their effects on Planet Earth, human civilization and life in general. Events before, during and after geological disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impact and climate change will be the focus of this course. This course will not count as a science credit for B.Sc. students.

Note: This course can be taken individually or as a part of a certificate program.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

1. Assess a landscape and its' important geologic and geomorphic components for the purpose of land-use planning;
2. Explain the important concepts that reflect the complexity of the integrated Earth system (e.g., lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere);
3. Describe the mechanisms and effects of major geological disasters and where they are most likely to occur on the planet;
4. Discuss the contemporary social issues relevant to natural geological disasters;
5. Apply scientific ideas and findings to writing that is meant for the general public; and
6. Investigate natural disasters before, during and after they happen to reduce the impact of these disasters on their communities.

Course Topics

• The Layers of the Earth
• Plate Tectonics
• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes
• Target Earth
• Coastal Disasters
• Slope Failures
• River Flooding
• Climate Change

Assessment

Note:

Additional Technical Requirements

This course will use the following:

• Zoom as a video communication tool.  A Webcam, a microphone to record video, and headphones/speakers to play back the recording are also needed. 

Please view the Technical Considerations for each.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Certificate in Environmental Conservation : Electives