Mastering Structural Geology From Basics to Applications

A complete, practical guide to folds, faults, stress, strain, mapping, and structural interpretation
What you'll learn
Understand the fundamental principles of structural geology and how rocks deform.
Identify, classify, and interpret primary, secondary, and tectonic structures in the field and on maps
Analyze stress and strain and apply them to real deformation scenarios.
Recognize and interpret folds, faults, fractures, and ductile/brittle structures.
Use stereonets to plot, analyze, and understand geological orientation data.
Build and interpret geologic maps and cross-sections in both 2D and 3D.
Perform strain analysis in 2D and 3D to quantify deformation.
Understand microstructures and deformation processes at the grain scale.
Restore and balance geological cross-sections to reconstruct past structural geometry.
Apply structural geology concepts within regional tectonic frameworks.
Develop practical field skills for measuring, recording, and interpreting structural data.
Build the confidence to analyze real-world geological problems using professional methods.
Requirements
A basic understanding of general geology (minerals, rocks, and Earth processes) is helpful but not required.
Curiosity about how the Earth's structures form and evolve.
Ability to read simple geological diagrams and maps (recommended).
No prior experience in structural geology is needed-everything is explained step-by-step.
A computer or tablet for viewing lectures, quizzes, and downloadable materials.
Willingness to practice with the provided exercises, figures, and summaries to build strong skills.
Description
Structural geology is one of the most essential foundations of geoscience, forming the bridge between Earth processes and the structures we observe in the field, in subsurface data, and on geological maps. This comprehensive course takes learners on a clear, step-by-step journey through the principles, tools, and techniques used to understand how rocks deform, how structures develop, and how to interpret the geological story behind them.Through 25 focused lectures, you will explore the full range of structural features-from folds, faults, fractures, and primary structures to advanced topics such as stereonet analysis, strain quantification, microstructures, balanced cross-sections, and regional tectonic interpretation. Each concept is explained with clarity, supported by visuals, field examples, diagrams, and simplified models to ensure complete understanding.The course is structured to build your knowledge progressively, starting from fundamental concepts of stress, strain, deformation, and rheology, and moving all the way to applied interpretation techniques used by geologists in academia, oil and gas, mining, geotechnical engineering, and environmental geology. Whether you are analyzing field data, reading geological maps, constructing cross-sections, or interpreting tectonic settings, this course provides the solid foundation you need.Every lecture includes clear slide content, a detailed narration script, a quiz to reinforce learning, and a concise summary to help you retain key ideas. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently analyze structural data, understand deformation mechanisms, and interpret geological structures in both 2D and 3D. This course is designed to build real skills-practical, applicable, and aligned with professional geological practice.
Who this course is for
Geology students who want a clear and practical understanding of structural geology.
Early-career geoscientists seeking to strengthen their interpretation and mapping skills.
Professionals in petroleum geology, mining, geotechnical engineering, or environmental geology.
Field geologists who want to improve their structural measurements and data analysis.
Anyone preparing for academic exams, geological fieldwork, or technical job interviews.
Curious learners who want to understand how Earth's structures form and how to interpret them.
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