EESC 211 - Historical Geology and Geography

Units: 3
Introduction to Earth’s history and its life. Topics include the planet’s origin, global tectonics, geologic dating, stratigraphy, fossils, evolution, and the significant human-influenced environmental changes of the Holocene. Practical exercises with geological, biogeochemical and other time-related materials and data sets.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: GEOL 210.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1) Explain the difference between geology and geography and describe the evolution of the two branches of the Earth Sciences.

2) Identify and describe basic concepts and principles of historical geology including: fossilization, ecology, evolution and extinction, plate tectonics, geologic time and dating methods, geologic and geomorphic structures, paleo-climate, 3) Describe the formation of and basic properties of fossils, minerals and rocks

4) Describe the tectonic and geomorphic processes that shape the Earth over geologic time and interpret sequences of geologic events

5) Identify and describe major physical changes to the Earth’s processes and environment and the influence of humans in the Holocene

6) Identify common fossil organisms and describe their habitat.

7) Construct and interpret geologic and stratigraphic maps and cross sections.

8) Describe human-influenced physical and environmental changes of the Holocene period using historical materials and data sets.