Wits offers introductory geology course

The science will be presented in an easily understood manner, by a range of well-qualified staff with many years of experience, and the course is suitable for all interested beginners. There will be an economic focus, so it is also suitable for anyone involved in the minerals industry who would like to learn something about the terminology used.

During the course, there will be hands-on practical work. Learn how to identify and appreciate rocks and minerals, where to look for evidence of rock cycles, and how to read geological maps. Participants will even use a microscope to look inside rocks.

Course materials will include a book, printed handouts, and a CD. Participants are not expected to provide anything in addition, although a magnifying hand lens would be useful in many of the practical classes.

The course will run from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesdays, 6 March to 24 July 2013, with a field trip on Saturday, 27 July 2013. If there is sufficient interest, staff will run optional additional one-day field trips, which would incur a slight extra charge. Most of these can be family outings, although unsuitable for children under the age of six. Potential trips are:

• Vredefort - the world's greatest disaster
  
• Tswaing - results of a 15 megaton explosion
  
• Maropeng and Sterkfontein - the story of us all
  
• Walter Sisulu Gardens - a walk through time
  
• The geology of Johannesburg

A certificate of participation will be given at the end of the course. No examination is involved, but there will be a self-evaluation practical test in the last week.

The cost of the course is R4000 per person or R3000 for retirees, and R7500 for couples. A minimum of 15 participants is required to make the course viable, and a maximum of 40 can be accommodated, so register early to avoid disappointment.

For further details and an application form email or phone +27 (0)11 717 6547.