Geological Sciences

Educational goals: The Structural Geology course is focused on the characterization of geometry, kinematics and mechanics of the deformed geological structures. During the course we spend considerable time developing a sense of the importance of a careful geometrical characterization of the deformed structures. Students are forced to think about the data needed to solve structural problems, and about how to plot and interpret data, use equations to solve simple mechanical models and to organize the results in a presentation that can be useful for other people. This exercise helps students to develop problem-solving skills that solidify their understanding of important equations and processes, as well as prepare them to do well in the exams. The main topics of the course are: Strain, Folds, Stress, Rock Mechanics, Fault Rocks and Shear Zones. Learning outcomes: At the end of the course the students will be able to answer questions such as where are the structures located in the rocks? How are they oriented in space and with respect to one another? What are their characteristics? These observations are vital for structural geology because they represent the starting point that guides the formulation of kinematic and mechanical models.