GEOSC 121 - Physical Geology

Number of Credits: 4
Physical Geology introduces students to the dynamic processes and events that have shaped and continue to modify the surface and interior of planet earth, and serves as the foundation for further study in the geosciences. Inquiry-based investigations of minerals, rocks, volcanism, seismic activity, crustal deformation, and surficial modification mechanisms will be used to foster understanding of earth’s surface features in plate tectonic and climatic settings. Attention will be given to the relevance of geology to society and the environment, through classroom discussions, laboratory and field exercises, projects, and presentations. Suitable for major and non-science major students. Field trips may be required. (Fall & Spring Only) Three hours lecture. Four Credits. Four billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): exemption/completion of MAT 095 with a minimum grade of C or better, plus eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain how plate tectonic motion results from internal earth processes, and relates to external earth processes and the distribution of earthquakes and surface features such as volcanoes, mountain ranges, and sea-floor trenches. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE4)
Identify various igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock types on the basis of texture, mineralogy, and internal structures, and explain their uses as resources to society and as data sources in interpreting earth history. (PG1, PG4 GE1, GE6)
Apply methods of absolute and relative dating to understand the timing of events in earth history, and explain the variation in time scale of processes related to the development of life, landscapes, and environmental change. (PG1, PG2, PG4 GE1, GE2, GE6)
Analyze the lithology of sedimentary materials to reconstruct paleogeographic surfaces and interpret related paleoenvironments. (PG1, PG2, PG4 GE1, GE2, GE6)
Analyze data such as seismic and volcanic activity, collected in laboratory, online, and independent settings, to graph results and make valid analyses and interpretations. (PG2, PG3 GE2, GE4)
Interpret geologic maps, and use cross-cutting relationships and the principles of stratigraphy to the sequence of events in a geologic cross section. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE4)
Evaluate and use online geologic and geographic information in text and visual formats, to research present, in collaborative group settings, various aspects of geology as it pertains to human society and the environment. (PG3, PG4 GE4, GE6)