GEOL 102 Historical Geology*
This course introduces the history of the Earth and that of the life it supports. Major events in Earth and life history are explored including episodes of mountain building, glaciations, extinctions, climate change, and the evolution of species. The tools, techniques, and methods employed by geologists that help decipher the rock and fossil record are also examined. Lab exercises will include sedimentary rock identification and interpretation, stratigraphic and fossil analysis, geologic dating techniques, geologic maps, cross sections, regional geologic history, and local field trips.
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
GEOL 102Historical Geology*
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
4 Credits
Prerequisite Narrative
GEOL 101 and 101L
Corequisite Narrative
GEOL 102L
III. Catalog Course Description
This course introduces the history of the Earth and that of the life it supports. Major events in Earth and life history are explored including episodes of mountain building, glaciations, extinctions, climate change, and the evolution of species. The tools, techniques, and methods employed by geologists that help decipher the rock and fossil record are also examined. Lab exercises will include sedimentary rock identification and interpretation, stratigraphic and fossil analysis, geologic dating techniques, geologic maps, cross sections, regional geologic history, and local field trips.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Identify basic invertebrate fossil phyla and classes
- Interpret and analyze published geologic maps and cross sections
- Construct a basic stratigraphic cross section using field data
- Use a transit compass to acquire quantitative data for orientation of planar rock bodies
- Form and test a hypothesis in the laboratory or field using appropriate tools and techniques for data collection and/or analysis.
- Understand the scientific method and apply scientific reasoning to critically evaluate assertions.
- Interpret depositional environments of sedimentary rocks
- Memorize and use the geologic time scale
- Summarize major geologic events in western North America
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
VI. Delivery Methodologies