GEOL& 101 - Intro to Physical Geology

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 4
LAB hours per week: 2
Study of the common rocks and minerals and the geological processes of the earth. Course includes one field trip. Formerly: GEOL 101.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 087 or AENG 100 with a grade of C or higher or appropriate placement; or permission of the Science Division Chair or designee.
Recommended: READ 088.
Course Outcomes:

Describe how the scientific method is used in the acquisition and application of “scientific knowledge”
Describe the gross structure and evolution of the layered Earth
Analyze and identify approximately 50 common rocks and minerals
Read and interpret topographic maps
Describe the impact of geologic events on humans; and human’s impact on the Earth
Predict the fate of regions in light of local plate tectonic conditions
Describe how surface-driven processes sculpt the landforms of the planet

Course Topics:

The nature of scientific inquiry; The Scientific Methods
Formational history of Earth; Geologic Time
Earth inorganic materials: minerals, rocks, sediments, magma, ice, and water
Internally-driven Earth processes: plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanoes
Surface-driven Earth processes: Weathering of natural materials, transport (via water, wind and ice), and deposition; including the resulting landforms

Course Attribute(s): Natural Science