GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology and the Environment (4 Hours)
This course explores the relationship between human beings and their geologic environment. First, it provides a construct for understanding geologic concepts by addressing the nature of science, systems, and time. Using this foundation, students examine the earth’s internal/external processes and responses within geological systems such as rivers, coasts, aquifers, glaciers, soils, the mantle, and the crust (volcanoes and earthquakes). In the process, students learn: how geology relates to other disciplines; how to respond critically to stories in the media and to arguments by members of interest groups; and how to make wiser business, political, and ethical decisions. Laboratory and field work provide hands-on opportunities to learn the fundamental building blocks of geology and to analyze the impact of human beings on Earth’s systems. Three hours of class and one three-hour laboratory session per week. C21:NS, SP.
Curriculum: NS, SP
GEOL 102 - A Geologic History of Earth (4 Hours)
This course traces the physical evolution of the earth and the evolution of life on the earth. Topics covered include the concept of time in geology, the development and chronology of the geologic timetable through analyses of the rock and fossil record, the origin of the oceans and continents, paleoclimate, and mineral resources. Laboratory work provides hands-on opportunities to analyze the formation of the major physiographic provinces of North America, identify and classify fossils, date geologic events using relative and absolute methods, analyze geologic and subsurface maps, and reconstruct paleoenvironments through facies analysis. Three hours of class and one three-hour laboratory session per week. C21:NS, SP.
Curriculum: NS, SP