DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
COURSE OUTLINE
UGRC: 143 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN OUR LIVES
EARTH RESOURCES
SECOND SEMESTER, 2014/2015
COURSE CODE: UGRC 143
COURSE TITLE: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN OUR LIVES (EARTH RESOURSES)
CREDITS:
3 CREDITS HOURS
LECTURER:
DR. LARRY PAX CHEGBELEH

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is aimed at providing students with the basic understanding of what
resources are in general and with specific emphasis on earth resources. While
some of these recourses are on earth and easily accessible, others are deeply
situated and may require advanced techniques to get assess. The course will
assist students appreciate the fundamentals of scientific thought and the
application of science and technology in gaining access to many of the resources
that are hidden deep beneath the earth. The significance of these resources to
everyday life will be greatly emphasized. Students will also be made to
understand the various environmental impacts associated with gaining access to
these resources and the need to properly control the environment for sustainable
livelihoods.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

This course is designed to let students appreciate the fact that the earth is
endowed with rich resources which can be used in diverse ways for the benefit of
human kind. However, the existence of these resources can be ruined without
pragmatic control measures. To achieve this purpose, the following objectives are
considered:
Identify some of the major earth resources
Describe the major rocks types, their composition and other resources
beneath the earth and economic benefits.
Develop the understanding of the various forms of energy , importance
and conservation
Create the awareness of the various impacts of anthropogenic activities
on the environment and preventive and remediation techniques.
COURSE CONTENT
The course covers the following topics:
Resources, Mineral resources, Energy resources, Ground resource, Fossil and
fuels.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
It is expected that by the end of this course students will be able:
Figure out what resources are and the various components associated with
resources.
Differentiate between renewable, non-renewable and inexhaustible
resources
Understand the major rock types, associated mineral deposits and uses
Appreciate the significance of energy transformation and applicability
Describe various units/terms associated with groundwater resources
Have good knowledge on how oil and gas are formed
Appreciate the need for sustainable use of resources

RECOMMENDED LEARNING MATERIALS

Most of the text books (physical and environmental Geology Books) can be
found in the earth science department library

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT

I.

The course will be delivered through lectures, class discussions and

exercises.
Mode of evaluation will be through continuous assessment (Class
Attendance Plus Exercises) and written examinations( Interim Assessment
and Main Exams)
Class attendance is compulsory and students will be rewarded for regular
attendance. Class attendance will be taken.
Continuous assessment = 30 marks and main exams = 70 marks

II.

III.
IV.

Week 1
Introduction
introduci g stude ts to the course (What is UGRC, its structure a d
significance)
introducing students to UGRC 143 (Earth Resources)
objectives of the course and the expected outcomes
course content and recommended learning materials
methods of instruction and mode of assessment
setting of class norms ( for effective teaching and learning)
Weeks 2,3 & 4
Resources

defining resources in general and earth resources in particular

types of resources: renewable, non-renewable and inexhaustible resources
resource management and the 3Rs of resource management
people, standard of living, world population scenario and impact on earth
resources

 environment and environmental problems

resources vs. reserves
defining the major rock types
explaining the formation of the major rock types
major classification of rock types
Weeks 5 & 6
Mineral resources

Elements as building blocks of minerals

Stating the characteristics of minerals
Identifying the various formations of minerals
Explaining the types of mineral deposits
Differentiating between metallic and non-metallic materials
Identifying the mineral extraction method
Understanding the environmental problems associated with mineral
extraction

Weeks 7 & 8
Energy resources

Defining energy
Various forms of energy and conservation of energy
Alternative energy sources
Nuclei power: fission and fusion
Hydroelectric power
Solar energy
Wind energy
Geothermal energy and its applications
Biogas
Environmental considerations of geo thermal power and limitations

Week 9
Groundwater resources

Reviewing global water budgets

Understanding the hydrologic cycle
Subsurface water resources : defining basic terminologies
Factors affecting ground water ability

INTERIM ASSESMENT (SATURDAY)

Week 10
Groundwater resources (cont.)

Effects of groundwater withdrawals

Other environmental problems associated with groundwater
Defining water pollution
Causes and effects of water pollution
Controlling water pollution
Groundwater quality problems in Ghana

Weeks 11, 12, & 13

Fossils and Fuels
Defining the characteristics of fuels
Formation of oil and natural gas
Distribution of petroleum
Highlighti g so e of the orlds ost producti e sedi e tary basins
The origin of oil and gas
Hydrocarbon expulsion and migration
The petroleum system
Describing the search of petroleum reservoirs
Oil and gas production at the refinery
Oil spillage.
Week 14
Revision

Weeks 15 & 16
Second semester exams

DESIGNED BY

SHAIBU