Down to Earth: An Introduction to Geology
3 April 2027
9:30am-5:15pm
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
3 April 2027
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£140.00
A wide-ranging introduction to geology for beginners.
Topics include:
● Plate tectonics: a framework to explain volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and oceans;
● Rocks and minerals: how they form and how to recognise the common ones;
● Fossils: their preservation, use in geology and how to identify the groups most commonly found;
● The geological history of Britain: key events from Britain’s long and dramatic past, during which it has been torn by earthquakes, scorched by volcanoes, scraped by ice, covered with seas and raised to high mountains.
There will also be the chance to study some real geological specimens in the teaching room. You are very welcome to bring along your own geological specimens which you would like to be identified or which you think are of special interest.
No previous background in geology is needed for the course and no reading is required in advance.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 31 March 2027.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodationour accommodation at Rewley House in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Programme details
9.15am
Registration at Rewley House reception
9.30am
Plate Tectonics – a Unifying Concept in Earth Sciences
10.45am
Tea/coffee break
11.15am
Rocks and Minerals – How to Identify and Learn from Them
12.30pm
Lunch break
2pm
Fossils – How They Are Preserved, How to Identify the Common Ones and Tips on Finding Them
3.15pm
Tea/coffee
3.45pm
The Geological History of Britain
5.15pm
Event disperses
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event fee (includes tea/coffee) | £140.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Hot lunch (two-course) | £22.40 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Dr Peter Sheldon
Dr Sheldon is an Honorary Associate in the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at the Open University, where he was a Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences until 2015. He chaired the Open University course on Geology and contributed to many other OU courses. He has given over 90 courses in geology, palaeontology and evolution for Cambridge University’s Professional and Continuing Education since 1979 and over 60 day-schools for Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education since 1993.
Module code: O26P106BIJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
