The Environmentalist might say that the human race is
despoiling the planet but if you look at the history and geology of the planet
since its creation, it is not always a one-way process. This course aims to
provide a scientific background to some natural events, both geological and
historical, that have affected the human race and the biosphere. You will also
discuss the influence that mankind is now having on the planet's environment.
The intention will be to provide a better understanding of factors influencing
these events, their causes and possible future impacts.
This synopsis covers the main topics that are included in
the presentations. My aim is to make a presentation of about 45 minutes in each
session and allow plenty of time for discussion. Our lecture room has wifi so
if anyone wishes to bring i-pads, i-phones, or laptops, we can obtain
additional information to resolve a discussion. I do not have all the
answers!
A scientific background is not a precondition as I hope
to introduce all the topics in an easily understandable way.
Monday: How has life been affected by the
earth?
Structure of the Earth
Formation of the earth and the moon.
The layers of the earth
The three main types of rock
The rock cycle
Tuesday: Continental Drift
Could Africa and South America ever have been joined?
Theory of Continental drift
Effect of drift on today's geography
Volcanoes
Structure of a volcano
Effects of volcanic eruptions on the earth and in history
Wednesday: Earthquakes, Tsunamis and
Glaciation
Earthquakes. Tsunamis and Asteroids.
Glaciers and Glaciation.
Ice caps, Snowball Earth .
Viruses
Anatomy of a virus. DNA and RNA.
Virus infection of a cell.
Bacteria.
Vaccination.
Thursday: What are we doing to the Earth ?
Pollution
Aerial pollution, Fossil fuels, Wood burning,
Agriculture.
Plastics
Fishing: The End of the Line
Factory fishing methods
Endangered fish species.
Aquaculture
Friday: Climate Change
Carbon dioxide. Carbon cycles. Effects on the World
climate.
World efforts in mitigation.
Alternative energy strategies, Wind, Hydro, Nuclear,
Biofuels, Hydrogen.
Reading List
As so many subjects are to be covered on this course, a
comprehensive reading list would be required which might look rather daunting. Whilst I will be recommending some books
during the course after introducing the subject, anyone who in the interim wishes to see my reading list can contact me
by e-mail at alanoliver@stlukescourt.plus.com
Alan Oliver
BScM, Sc
About Alan
Alan obtained a B.Sc. Honours degree from London
University in Natural Science and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Nottingham
University.
He was commissioned during National Service in the Royal
Artillery, specialising in anti-aircraft gunnery. After demobilisation Alan was
appointed Senior Scientific Officer with the Timber Research and Development
Association carrying out research on decay and deterioration of timber. He then
subsequently became Marketing and Sales Director for Protim Limited, a company
that manufactures Wood Preservatives and carried out remedial treatments of
Building Timber.
Alan then joined Buckinghamshire College of Higher
Education as Senior Lecturer and was involved in the establishment of a B.Sc.
Degree course in Wood Science. His publications include a text book entitled
"Dampness in Buildings”.
Finally, Alan joined Pandrol Ltd, manufacturers of
railway track fastenings to develop new products for the preservation of wood
railway sleepers. In this role he travelled the world, joined international
committees, and addressed many international conferences.
Since retiring, Alan has developed a series of lectures
on scientific subjects including those that we will discuss on this course.
Over many years, he has given lectures to Probus Clubs, U3A's, as well as on numerous cruises.
