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1. Identify common minerals by testing physical properties and using classification charts.
2. Identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks using classification charts. Deduce environments where rocks form.
3. Interpret geologic history using relative and absolute dating methods.
4. Utilize data to interpret tectonic activity such as earthquake size, epicentral location and plate movement.
5. Analyze maps and aerial photographs to characterize surface features and identify the processes that formed various features.
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I. Introduction to scientific measurement
A. SI (international system) units
B. Spatial measurements
II. Earth Materials
A. Minerals
1. Physical properties of minerals
2. Identification
B. Igneous rocks
1. Common textures and compositions
2. Identification
3. Cooling history
C. Sedimentary rocks
1. Common textures and compositions
2. Identification
3. Depositional history and environments
D. Metamorphic rocks
1. Common textures and compositions
2. Identification
3. Metamorphic environments (occurrence)
III. Geologic Time
A. Relative dating
B. Radiometric dating
C. The geologic time scale
IV. Map Interpretation
A. Compass directions
B. Latitude and longitude
C. Elevation
D. Interpreting geologic/geomorphic features
V. Plate Tectonics
A. Plate boundaries
B. Earthquake epicentral location and triangulation
VI. Surface Processes (at least 2 of the following topics):
A. Mass wasting
1. Classification
2. Identification from maps and aerial photographs
B. Stream processes
1. Classification of stream types
2. Identification from maps and aerial photographs
C. Groundwater
1. Storage and flow
2. Extraction and contamination
D. Glacial processes
1. Erosional and depositional landforms
2. Identification of features from maps and aerial photographs
E. Desert processes
1. Erosional and depositional landforms
2. Identification of features from maps and aerial photographs
F. Coastal processes
1. Erosional and depositional landforms
2. Identification of features from maps and aerial photographs
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1. Text reading, approximately 5 to 20 pages per week.
2. Weekly in-class assignments including calculations, sketches, rock and mineral identification, and map interpretation.
3. Examinations (3-5); quizzes (5-15)
4. Class participation: in-class activities, group work and discussions, etc.
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments are more appropriate for this course. |
|
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
20 - 60% |
| In-class assignments | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
40 - 80% |
| Objective examinations, including multiple choice, true/false, matching items, completion, short answer; quizzes | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Class participation and attendance | |
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Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology, Ludman and Marshak, 1st ed, Norton and Co. (2010)
Zumberge's Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, Rutford and Carter, 15th ed, McGraw Hill (2010)
Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, American Geological Institute / National Assn of Geoscience Teachers, Busch and Tasa, 9th ed, Pearson/Prentice Hall (2011)