Historical geology 1300-OGHIC

The aim of the classes is to introduce the students to selected aspects (mainly from the methodological point of view) of the Earth's history. The first set of classes deals with various methods of stratigraphical classifications (litho-, bio-, chronostratigraphy and geochronology) and to the methods of determining the relative and absolute age of rocks and processes. A number of graphical exercises are made during the classes, devoted to interpretation of selected environmental factors. (bathymetry, salinity, temperature, energy, oxidation), as well as to palaeogeographical interpretations based on biogeographical, climatic, palaeomagnetic and geotectonic data. Last part of the classes is devoted to a systematic presentation of fossils characteristic to particular stages of life history.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

The student is familiar with the stratigraphical table and with basic attributes of marine and terrestrial sedimentary rocks. The student understands the geotectonic models explaining the composition of the Earths' crust and of the processes taking place in it.

Course coordinators

Piotr Łuczyński
Mikołaj Zapalski

Learning outcomes

After completing the subject, the student is able to list in stratigraphical order the main stages of the Earth's history, taking into account palaeogeographical, biotic and facies changes. Basing on real data he analyses the evolution of facies environments of selected areas in Europe taking into account geotectonic changes and biotic evolution during selected time intervals. He is able to recognise main fossils that are characteristic for all systems of the Palaeozoic and to determine their age.
He is able to interpret orogenic phenomena basing on analytical data.
The student is able to compile data derived from various fields of geology into one integrity and reconstructs the history of selected regions of Europe in particular stratigraphic intervals.

Assessment criteria

Written tests after each set of classes. A positive mark needs to be obtained from both tests. Written resit tests at the end of the semester.Two absences allowed.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Applied geology

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1300-OGHIC in USOSweb