GEOL 210 - Physical and Environmental Geology

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-B1, GE-B3
Nature and distribution of earth materials, the processes by which the materials are formed and altered, and the nature and development of the landscape. Note: Geology majors should select letter grading option. Lecture Units: 3; Lab Units: 1.

Equivalent Quarter Course: GEOL 2100 or GEOL 2101.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity
Cross-listed: ENSC 210
Course Typically Offered: Fall ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Lecture Component: Examine the fundamental materials of geology - minerals, rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and fossils, topographic and geologic maps, surface and ground water.
Appreciate and understand plate tectonic theory and its fundamental role in virtually all geologic processes.
Develop an appreciation and understanding of the vast nature of geologic time, its importance to plate tectonic theory and its role in the evolution of life on the planet.
Explore an issue of Global Change involving research and critical analysis of an important aspect, and present results in a open (student chosen) format.
Laboratory Component: Identify and analyze earth materials and understand their origins, uses and implications.
Develop facility with Google Earth, and topographic maps and be able to construct topographic cross sections.
Demonstrate familiarity with, and ability to analyze geologic maps and interpret them in both 2- and 3-dimensions.
Evaluate, analyze rates and predict future geologic consequences of current plate tectonic motion. Analyze, interpret and characterize flow in porous media, and calculate hydraulic conductivity in simple geologic materials.
Demonstrate simple mapping skills in the field.

B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

B3. Laboratory Activity Learning Outcomes

Apply their knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical and sciences through laboratory activities;
apply their understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method in a laboratory setting; and
demonstrate accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry, while completing laboratory activities.

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