Medical Geology and Geochemistry OpenCourseWare: A Free Online Bachelor Level Geology Course by MIT

Published Jan 27, 2009

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers an OpenCourseWare project in the burgeoning field of medical geology, which examines the links between geological phenomena and human health. In this free 'Medical Geology/Geochemistry' course, participants study the elements and--specifically--their effects on people's physical well-being. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Geology or pre-medicine may benefit from the information available in this online course.

Medical Geology/Geochemistry: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Medical Geology/Geochemistry: Course Description

Medical geology is an emerging scientific discipline which explores the connection between the basic elements of the earth and its inhabitants. In this course from MIT's Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences department, Professor Pillalamarri Ila, Ph.D. introduced Geology and pre-medicine students to the fundamentals of the medical geology field through a series of lectures. Using Professor Ila's online course materials as a guide, students first study the essentials of elemental interaction and then delve into the specifics of radioactive materials. Next, students review and practice a variety of analytical techniques. Finally, students investigate specific case studies to understand the direct effects of the geological elements on humans in our society. An in-depth lecture on the health consequences of dust storms rounds out the course curriculum.

'Medical Geology/Geochemistry' consists of a series of lecture notes, former students' projects and a reading list, which includes some online material. To access this free online course, visit the medical geochemistry course page.

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