Geology of Scotland's Coast (Online)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Students will need to be able to confidentially use videoconferencing software be comfortable with using websites.

Special Information

In order to participate in this course, you will need access to a computer with a speaker and an internet connection.

Content of Course

1. Overview of the different rock types of Scotland, where they are found and how their varied properties contribute to the beaches, estuaries, headlands and islands of Scotland's coast. Examination of the physical processes at the coast - erosion and deposition.

2. Coasts of the northern isles. Exploration of the contrasting coastal landscapes of Shetland and Orkney, including important features such as geos, tombolos and sea stacks.

3. East Coast: what coastlines do typical Highland and Lowland rocks make? Case studies of Stonehaven and the Firth of Forth.

4. West Coast: Examination of the rocks found on the western coast of mainland Scotland and the resulting varied coastline, heavily influenced in places by the grain of the land. Case studies from the northwest Highlands and Argyll.

5. Islands of the west: explore how an intersection of events from different geological ages has produced a remarkably varied landscape of headlands and islands. Including case studies from Mull and the Small Isles.

6. What next for Scotland's coast? An examination of recent changes brought by the ice ages and how the map of Scotland is in continual flux. What can we see happening now, and how might Scotland's coast look in the future.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be delivered online.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the geology of Scotland, including the rock types, geological processes and timescale of the formation of Scotland’s rocks;

• Identify some of the rocks they come across;

• Understand how these rocks fit into the patterns of Scotland’s geology;

• Appreciate how the variety of rock types found in Scotland is expressed in Scotland’s varied coastline.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Gillen, C., 2013. Geology and landscapes of Scotland (2nd edition). Dunedin, 9781-780460-09-3

Recommended:

• Fortey, R., 1993. The Hidden Landscape. Pimlico.

• McKirdy, A. and Crofts, R., 1999. Scotland the creation of its natural landscape. Scottish Natural Heritage.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.