- Material World: Introduction to Natural Resources

Catalog description

If it's not grown, it must be mined. Without mineral resources, humans would all be living “naked and afraid”. In addition to making human civilization possible, these materials (i.e. metals, industrial minerals, gems, building materials) are the foundation of many national economies and have also complicated and contributed to geopolitical and environmental conflicts throughout history. Understanding Earth’s mineral resources from cradle to grave is an important component for an informed citizenry that is able to meet the wicked problems of an Earth with a growing population and ever changing technologies. In this course, students will learn about the geologic processes integral to the formation and distribution of mineral resources as well as methods of exploration for and extraction of these materials for our use. Related topics include the environmental impacts and remediation associated with resource extraction and resource depletion.