SCIE103 Physical Geology
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Science
- I. Course Number and Title
- SCIE103 Physical Geology
- II. Number of Credits
- 4 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 3750
- IV. Prerequisites
- Reading Placement Test score Level 3 or READ110 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better); and Math Placement Test score of 5 or higher or MATH095 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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This course includes a laboratory component.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Scientific Literacy. - VI. Catalog Course Description
- This lecture and laboratory course introduces the basic principles and processes of geology. Emphasis is on a wide range of topics, including rocks and minerals, topographic maps, surface processes, hydrologic systems, plate tectonics, the earth's interior, and the application of entrepreneurial skills to assessment of a geologic or environmental hazard.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will :
- identify the major rocks and minerals;
- describe the rock and hydrologic cycles;
- describe the dynamics of plate tectonics;
- apply the scientific method to situations related to geology [Scientific Literacy];
- analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information as it relates to geology; and
- apply the entrepreneurial skills of problem solving and critical thinking to the assessment of a geologic or environmental hazard.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- scientific method
- minerals, rocks, the rock cycle
- radiometric dating, geologic time scale
- topographic maps
- weathering, erosion, mass wasting
- plate tectonics, earth's interior, plate boundaries
- earthquakes, volcanism, mountain building
- hydrologic cycle
- rivers, groundwater, glaciers
- oceans, shorelines and energy
- entrepreneurial skills and geologic/environmental hazards
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, class participation, and projects as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus. Students complete a pre/post survey assessing their propensity for entrepreneurship skills. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor's syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 12/07; Core Goals/Objectives added 11/04; Revised 7/2010; 5/2013; New Core 8/2015; Revised 02/2018