Pre-requisites:

Passes in at least two science subjects at CAPE OR equivalent.

Course Content:

This course in physical geology involves the study of the different physical and chemical processes that operate within different environments and produce a range of geomorphological features on the Earth. The course will cover the introductory aspects of physical geology including: weathering and erosion; landforms (rivers, slopes, coastlines, arid lands and glaciated environments). An appreciation of the processes acting on the Earth’s surface and how they can be used to interpret Earth history, which is central to understanding the global distribution of rocks, geologic features and earth resources. This course also provides an introduction to historical geology – the origin of the Earth, the origin and evolution of life on Earth, and the geological timescale – with an emphasis on using present geological processes to interpret the past.

(2 Credits) (Level 1) (Semester 2)

The processes of economic development and globalization, and the economic interdependence of countries in the modern world; Basic theories, concepts, and methods for describing, measuring and analyzing patterns of economic and social development; The main factors that have contributed to uneven patterns of economic development, such as the distribution and exploitation of natural resources, and the process of industrialization, technological change and globalization; The section on agriculture and the food industry illustrates in depth many issues related to economic development and globalization, including the role of agribusiness in food production and food consumption, and the impacts of traditional and modern agricultural production systems on the environment; The geographical dimensions of world hunger and malnutrition in relation to the structure of the world economy and world agriculture; Prospects for future agricultural development.

A modern holistic approach to the study of the earth system. Introduction to climate science: the processes operating within the atmosphere and biosphere, including general circulation of the atmosphere, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and global climate systems. Emphasis on the impacts and consequences of human-environment interactions. Spatial and temporal variability of these processes on local, regional and global scales. The primary causes, both natural and human, and consequences of climate change and the impact of a changing climate for communities both within and outside the Caribbean region. Particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change on the biosphere, as well as their implications for agricultural systems. Introduction to the study of biogeography, focussing on the geographical features of biodiversity at different geographical scales, and reviewing ideas about ecosystem processes and vegetation disturbance and succession.

The course builds on the Level 1 course in plate tectonics and sets igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks within their geological context. It will look at igneous suites and their geochemical characterization, and how this can be used to identify their plate tectonic setting. Metamorphic rocks will be used to infer geological indicators. The course will also build on the student’s understanding of structural geology from GEOL1104, and explore the different tectonic styles found in different parts of the Caribbean and their importance to geological resources.

The course introduces students to the theory and general principles of GIS and to practical skills and hands-on experience in its use: the fundamental concepts and basic functions of a GIS; the properties of GIS maps; the structure of a GIS database; coordinate systems and map projections; methods of performing simple vector and raster spatial analysis. In lab exercises students will work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using common analytical tools, and solve geographical problems using a systematic approach. The course introduces the core functionality of GIS software packages such as ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.

An interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental change, looking at examples of the complex interactions between human activity and the different environmental spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere). Core components include global environmental change, sea-level change, natural climate variability, anthropogenic climate change, 21st-century climate projections, and tropical forest dynamics. The course examines the primary causes, both natural and human, and the consequences and impacts of environmental change both within and outside the Caribbean region

The concept of the Petroleum System. Source rock formation and evaluation. Chemical components of petroleum. Primary and secondary migration of hydrocarbons. Reservoirs traps and seals. Searching for hydrocarbons. Geophysical methods used in the search for hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon provinces of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Spatial and temporal variations in precipitation. Creation of rainfall maps using isohyetal, arithmetic mean and Theissen polygon method. Statistical methods for calculating return periods for rainfall and flood data. Hydrograph separation using computational methods and calculation of baseflow, inter and overland flow. Types of flooding and flood hazards in Jamaica. Climate change and hydrological hazards. Hydrologic Simulation models, steps in watershed modelling, description of model’s principles, mainly HEC HMS models Flood plain hydraulics - principles and concepts of HEC RAS (1D) model including case studies. Hydraulic properties of aquifers and their methods of determination. Groundwater flow calculations and flow variation under different climatic and non-climatic conditions. Geophysical and geological investigations for groundwater sources. Groundwater contamination and transport model. Groundwater wells: types and methods of drilling. Water resources of the Caribbean, with special emphasis on Jamaica. Climate change and challenges in the water sector: Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Recent impacts of disasters globally, regionally and nationally have emphasized the need to safeguard human lives and property. Demographic changes, urbanization, human settlement patterns, land-use practices and political and social dynamics have each exacerbated the vulnerability of SIDS to the effects of natural and man-made disasters. This course introduces students to the basic principles and techniques in disaster risk management. It examines how vulnerability and hazard interact to create disasters and how planning processes and interventions can help reduce disaster vulnerabilities and increase resilience at every stage of the disaster management cycle including disaster mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery.  The course further assesses the international, national and local frameworks, approaches, and methods for disaster prevention, preparedness and vulnerability reduction such as the Hyogo Framework for Action, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and the Community based disaster risk management framework.