WEA Course Information Sheet2014-15

Course title: Geology: Geology of Britain’s Coastline – The Younger Rocks
Course reference: C2417431 / Tutor(s): Peter Golding
Venue: Ripley Arts Centre Bromley / Fee: £86.90
Start date: 23/09/ 2014 / End date: 09/12/2014
(Including half term break) / Day(s)/time(s): Tues 13.30-3.30
Number of sessions: 11 / Hours per session: 2 hours / Level:2
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): N/A
Awarding body (if any): N/A
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
Geological Dictionary, Hand Lens (if you have one)
Course aims:
This course aims to introduce students to the younger geology of the British Isles through coastal exposures. We will begin with the Permian deserts and end with a look at our modern coasts.
Course description:
Britain’s coast displays a wonderful range of geology. We will explore our younger geology from about 250 million years ago to the present day. A story of deserts, shallow seas, volcanoes, ice and modern coastal processes.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
This is an introductory course so there are no entry requirements.
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
During the course we will ‘travel’ around our coast; not north to south or east to west, but through time as we select sites to illustrate our younger geology. Topics will include:
  • The Permian deserts and the Zechstein Sea.
  • The Jurassic and Cretaceous of Dorset, Yorkshire and Kent.
  • Volcanoes of the Hebrides
  • Kent and Essex; a tropical paradise.
  • Ice-Age Britain.
  • The modern coast and coastal processes.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods:tick those to be used 
Demonstration / Discussion /  / Group work /  / Individual work
Project work / Research / Role play / Written work
Question and answer /  / Activity outside class time / Observation / Practical work / 
Presentation /  / Field trip / Other (state)
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
Student learning will be assessed during class discussions and written tests. Feedback will be given to students at the completion of these tasks and more informal feedback will be given during practical sessions.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the geology along selected parts of our coastline
2. Identify the rocks, fossils and the geological environment of these sites
3.Outline the geological history of the British Isles from the Permian to the present day.
4.Recall selected modern coastal processes.
Reading and information sources: Is any reading/preparation essential or desirable?
Background reading is desirable.
Allaby, Michael: A Dictionary of Earth Sciences, Oxford, 2008
Pethick John: An Introduction to Coastal Geomorphology, Arnold, 1984
Toghill Peter : The Geology of Britain, Swan Hill Press 2011
Woodcock, Nigel and Strachan, Rob: Geological History of Britain and Ireland, Wiley Blackwell, 2012


Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
Locally the Ravensbourne Geological Society has monthly lectures and workshops.
For further progression The Open University provides a selection of geological courses.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses or contact London & Southern Regions Support Centre: Email: london& Tel: Freephone 0800 328 1060