GEOL 310 - Geology of the Western National Parks

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UDB
An introductory course using selected U.S. National Parks as examples to introduce geologic topics and concepts, the features which make each park unique, and the geologic history western North America, as interpreted by features preserved in our national parks.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Areas B1-B3.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Credit Restrictions: Not for Geology or Environmental Sciences major or minor credit.

Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UDB - Upper Division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

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

Describe fundamental rock types and minerals, their properties, and how they are formed.
Understand and describe the essential aspects of plate tectonic theory.
Appreciate the nature and magnitude of geologic time and its importance to evolution.
Understand how geologic processes shape landforms and affect life on our planet.
Demonstrate and an understanding of the plate tectonic mechanisms responsible for the landforms and nature of the national parks covered.

UD-B. Upper-division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcomes

demonstrate advanced and/or focused science or quantitative content knowledge in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and technologies);
apply advanced quantitative skills (such as statistics, algebraic solutions, interpretation of graphical data) to scientific problems and evaluate scientific claims;
demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific question or issue; and
apply science content knowledge to contemporary scientific issues (e.g., global warming) and technologies (e.g., cloning), where appropriate.