GEOL& 103 - Historical Geology

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 4
LAB hours per week: 2
Study of the geological history of the earth; evolution of the earth, oceans, mountain building processes, and life. Formerly: GEOL 201.
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”
Relate topics from physical geology to Earths history (e.g., plate tectonics, rock cycle)
Analyze the formation, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and apply stratigraphic principles to interpret the rock record
Apply relative and absolute dating principles to interpret the geologic history of rock units
Explain evolutionary theory and relate it to changes in the fossil record through time
Identify and classify fossils (including mode of preservation) and apply them to interpret age and environment of strata
Characterize each time period of Earths history (beginning with its origin) with regard to changes in the paleogeography, environment, and biota

Course Topics:

The nature of scientific inquiry: The Scientific Methods
Physical processes that shape planet Earth: Plate tectonically driven
Reading the layered rocks of the Earthâ€™s crust: Stratigraphy
Biological evolution and the fossil record
Geologically dating techniques: Absolute and Relative
The changing Earth (physical and biological) through time

Course Attribute(s): Natural Science