Physical Geology

This course is designed to provide the basic principles, and fundamental concepts of the various aspects of geological sciences. Emphasis will be on the internal structure of the Earth, properties of minerals, mineral groups, formation and behaviour of earth materials, description, classification, and mode of formation of the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock groups, surface processes, geological structures, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Attendance and a one-day field trip (held usually on a Saturday) are an important part of this course and bear 20% of the final grade. The field trip gives the students an opportunity to identify the different rocks and structures and processes learnt in class, and therefore help the students gain a real world experience in geology.