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.

Credits

4 Credits

Prerequisite

GEOL 101 and 101L

Corequisite

GEOL 102L

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

Department

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:

  • Interpret depositional environments of sedimentary rocks
  • Understand the scientific method and apply scientific reasoning to critically evaluate assertions.
  • Summarize major geologic events in western North America
  • Memorize and use the geologic time scale
  • 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
  • Identify basic invertebrate fossil phyla and classes
  • Form and test a hypothesis in the laboratory or field using appropriate tools and techniques for data collection and/or analysis.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

VI. Delivery Methodologies