To find the best geology introduction, you must first determine why and how you want to learn about geology. The science of geology is the study of the Earth. It can cover a wide range of topics, including volcanoes and minerals, as well as geochemistry and chemical geodynamics. Determine the level of detail you require in your introduction.
If you want to be a geologist or a geology major at a university, you should take an introduction to geology course at a university. Decide how much money you want to spend and where you want to live before deciding on the best college course for you. Choose your preferred location, then look for schools that offer geology classes and see if they’re affordable.
Introduction to geology courses are available at many community colleges, private colleges, and public universities. Choose whether you want a lecture-only course or one that includes a hands-on lab. You can also enroll in traditional or online distance learning courses.
Examine how students are graded. Is there a lot of homework, or do students have to write research papers, experiments, or take tests and quizzes? Is the class auditable, meaning you can take it without getting a grade?
Check to see if the introductory geology courses offer transferable credit or serve as a prerequisite for higher-level courses. Examine different instructors’ backgrounds and teaching styles to see how they differ. Some courses include a lot of field trips, which may suit you if you prefer to learn by doing. Examine the course’s curriculum to see if it covers everything you need to know.
Of course, taking college geology courses isn’t the only way to learn about the subject. Consider your own personal learning style. You can find many introduction to geology books to read if you’re a visual learner. Aside from textbooks, there are easy-to-read light-hearted but informative books, workbooks, and books focusing on specific geology topics such as Hawaiian volcanoes or Colorado minerals. If you prefer to learn by ear, look for books on tape or go to a local museum or park to hear an introduction to geology lecture.
There are also a plethora of online geology resources. Simply searching the Internet can teach you a lot about geology. Many college professors have their own geology websites, which include a list of relevant scientific links.