Course Description
Introduction to the structure of the earth and the natural processes that have shaped its surface and interior over geologic time. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:
Apply basic principles of scientific inquiry to the study of the earth’s surface, interior, and geologic history.
Apply the theory of plate tectonics in order to interpret the origin and distribution of geological features across the world.
Classify rocks and minerals by chemical composition, physical properties and origin.
Differentiate between surface and tectonic processes and their resulting features.
- Analyze the interactions between human activity and geologic processes and features, including natural disasters and natural resources.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Discussions (10 pts ea.; Weeks 1-8) | 80 | 8% |
Homework (60 pts ea.; Weeks 1-8) | 480 | 48% |
Blogs (25 pts ea; Weeks 1-8) | 200 | 20% |
Case studies (40 pts ea.; Weeks 3,5,7) | 120 | 12% |
Final Report (120 pts; Week 8) | 120 | 12% |
Total | 1000 | 100% |
Required Textbook
Available through https://opentextbc.ca/geology/
- Earle, Steven. Physical Geology.
- This course uses Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are openly licensed, educational resources that can be used for teaching, learning and research. OER may consist of a variety of resources such as textbooks, videos and software that are no cost for students.
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,3 | Introduction to Geology and Minerals
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2 | 3,4,5 | Volcanism and Igneous Rocks
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3 | 3,4 | Soil and Sedimentary Rocks
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4 | 1,3 | Time and Space: Geologic History and the Earth's Interior
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5 | 1,2,5 | Plate Tectonics and Surface Motion
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6 | 4,5 | Water, Part 1: Rivers and Ground Water
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7 | 4,5 | Water, Part 2: Glaciers and Oceans
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8 | 1-5 | Human Activity and the Enviroment
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