Introduction in Geology and Soil Sciences
Course code
MLG6022.LT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Geoloogia ja mullateaduse alused
Course title in English
Introduction in Geology and Soil Sciences
ECTS credits
7.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
The aim of the subject is to develop in students a systematic understanding of the development of the Earth and the earth's crust, the main minerals, rocks and mineral resources, and the specific features of the geological structure of Estonia, supporting the ability to relate geological processes to environmental conditions, landscapes and the use of natural resources.
The aim is to support the student's understanding of the complex nature of soil, including functions, formation and development, composition and properties. To promote the creation of logical connections between soil and the surrounding environment. To create an opportunity to gain basic knowledge of the characteristics of soils, their classification and soil protection regulations.
The aim is to support the student's understanding of the complex nature of soil, including functions, formation and development, composition and properties. To promote the creation of logical connections between soil and the surrounding environment. To create an opportunity to gain basic knowledge of the characteristics of soils, their classification and soil protection regulations.
Brief description of the course
The subject deals with the structure and development of the Earth, including the nature of the crust, mantle and core, and the internal and external geological processes of the Earth. The basics of plate tectonics, the influence of tectonic processes on the formation of the earth's surface, and the principles of geological time and stratigraphy are introduced. An overview is given of the chemical composition of the earth's crust, minerals, and the main igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. In addition, the formation of sediments and the role of external factors (e.g. water, ice and wind) in shaping landscapes are discussed, and a comprehensive overview of the geological structure and major mineral resources of Estonia is provided.
The second part of the subject focuses in more detail on soil as a system formed as a result of geological and pedogenetic processes. Here, the nature and functions of soil, its formation and development, and morphological features are explained. The regularities of soil development are also discussed. The composition and properties of soil are examined separately. The methods used in soil property studies, soil monitoring and mapping are also discussed. Different soil regimes and soil fertility in the context of different types of soils (agricultural, artificial and natural soils) are discussed. The course provides an overview of the principles of soil classification (including international classifications). In addition, contemporary problems of soil ecology and protection are discussed.
The second part of the subject focuses in more detail on soil as a system formed as a result of geological and pedogenetic processes. Here, the nature and functions of soil, its formation and development, and morphological features are explained. The regularities of soil development are also discussed. The composition and properties of soil are examined separately. The methods used in soil property studies, soil monitoring and mapping are also discussed. Different soil regimes and soil fertility in the context of different types of soils (agricultural, artificial and natural soils) are discussed. The course provides an overview of the principles of soil classification (including international classifications). In addition, contemporary problems of soil ecology and protection are discussed.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- explains the natural processes shaping planet Earth, including magmatism, volcanism and climate change, and their manifestations;
- describes and relates the main geological processes in a global and regional context;
- understands the principles of the plate tectonic model and the foundations of metamorphic processes;
- analyzes the Earth's deep structure and the formation and metamorphism of minerals and rocks, relating them to the geological development of the Estonian area;
- characterizes the most important events in the geological history of the Earth and explains the purpose, content and main approaches of stratigraphy;
- describes the geological structure of Estonia, the composition of rocks and their spatial distribution.
- explains and uses the most important concepts of soil science to describe the processes and phenomena occurring in the soil and sees the connections between the soil and the surrounding environment;
- describes and analyzes soil characteristics, including soil types and, based on this, soil properties;
- is familiar with soil science materials and methodologies and has theoretical prerequisites for solving soil science problems.
- explains the natural processes shaping planet Earth, including magmatism, volcanism and climate change, and their manifestations;
- describes and relates the main geological processes in a global and regional context;
- understands the principles of the plate tectonic model and the foundations of metamorphic processes;
- analyzes the Earth's deep structure and the formation and metamorphism of minerals and rocks, relating them to the geological development of the Estonian area;
- characterizes the most important events in the geological history of the Earth and explains the purpose, content and main approaches of stratigraphy;
- describes the geological structure of Estonia, the composition of rocks and their spatial distribution.
- explains and uses the most important concepts of soil science to describe the processes and phenomena occurring in the soil and sees the connections between the soil and the surrounding environment;
- describes and analyzes soil characteristics, including soil types and, based on this, soil properties;
- is familiar with soil science materials and methodologies and has theoretical prerequisites for solving soil science problems.
Teacher
Piret Vacht PhD, Valdeko Palginõmm MSc
Study programmes containing that course