Geology, or earth science, is the study of the materials that the Earth is made of, the structure of that material, and how it changes. Geologists concern themselves not just with what the rocks and other materials that make up this planet look like now, but also with the way those materials have looked throughout Earth's history. When you study geology, you look at the processes that change Earth, like volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, and floods. You also examine the products that Earth's materials produce, such as metals, ores, and petroleum.

Like many other scientific disciplines, geology helps us make sense of the world around us. The more you understand what makes up the planet, the more you'll appreciate how Earth's systems operate. You'll also see how geology intertwines with other sciences, from biology to physics to chemistry and more. The study of the Earth and its materials seeks to solve problems like climate change and mitigate the risk of natural disasters. Geology also points to new ideas and discoveries that can lead to innovations that improve society.

What are typical careers that use geology?

Geology is a broad field of science that can set you up for success in careers as diverse at meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, and engineering. You can specialize in the economics of geography, specific metals, water, glaciers, or soil composition. Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists study how the Earth's structure influences weather, while oceanographers focus on bodies of water. Geology even touches engineering, as geologic engineers study how the makeup of the Earth affects buildings and infrastructure. If you've ever been fascinated by dinosaurs, you can use your geology knowledge to work as a paleontologist.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn geology?

Online courses on Coursera give you a broad base of knowledge of geology and its applications. You can learn about mapping and spatial analysis, the oil and gas industry, or the ethics of the environmental movement. A course about mountains can let you discover the physical, human, and biological aspects of mountainous places around the world. You can also learn from courses about seismic tomography to explore the inside of the earth, understand how to reduce groundwater contaminants naturally, and comprehend principles of extinction in the past, present, and future.

What are the benefits of taking an online Geology course?

Online Geology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Geology skills. Choose from a wide range of Geology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Geology courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Geology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Geology Courses - Learn Geology Online

Results for "geology"

Status: Free
Duke University
Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets
Skills you'll gain: Market Dynamics, Operating Cost, Transportation Operations, Production Process, Process Engineering, Market Trend, Manufacturing Operations, Cost Estimation, Global Marketing, Market Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Resource Utilization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Manchester
Our Earth: Its Climate, History, and Processes
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Environment, Water Resources, Mathematical Modeling, Simulations, Life Sciences, Scientific Methods, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
432 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Caltech
The Science of the Solar System
Skills you'll gain: Research, General Science and Research, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Life Sciences, Physics, Water Resources, Advanced Mathematics, Environment, Simulations, Simulation and Simulation Software, Systems Of Measurement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
795 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Planet Earth...and You!
Skills you'll gain: Environment and Resource Management, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resource Management, Physical Science, Environment, Vibrations, Mechanics, Risk Control
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
525 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Data Mapping, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Data Synthesis, Quantitative Research, Data Compilation, Data Processing, Typography, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Data Storytelling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Arizona
Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Research, Environment, Experimentation, Scientific Methods, Simulation and Simulation Software, Data Collection, Estimation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
499 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Data Sharing, Geospatial Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Land Management, Heat Maps, Epidemiology, Metadata Management, Data Mapping, Data Visualization Software, Data Quality, File Management, Network Analysis, Data Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Alberta
Mountains 101
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Physical Science, Water Resources, Environment and Resource Management, Accident Prevention, Cultural Diversity, Natural Resource Management, Risk Management, Anthropology, Life Sciences, Socioeconomics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of Chicago
Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Physical Science, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Thermal Management, Environmental Monitoring, Systems Thinking, Scientific Methods, Simulations, Computational Thinking, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
443 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
American Museum of Natural History
The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Environment, Risk Control, Geographic Information Systems, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Geospatial Information and Technology, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
225 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Politecnico di Milano
Archaeoastronomy
Skills you'll gain: Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, Anthropology, Physical Science, Cultural Responsiveness, Social Sciences, Timelines, General Science and Research, Political Sciences, Systems Of Measurement, Environment
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Dartmouth College
Introduction to Environmental Science
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Demography, Water Resources, Environmental Policy, Environmental Monitoring, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Life Sciences, Land Management, Pollution Prevention, Physical Science, Systems Thinking, Social Studies, General Science and Research, Food and Beverage, Plant Operations and Management, Facility Management, Engineering, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
305 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months