GEOL 107 Exploring Earth Science (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Course Description
An introductory Earth Science course that covers essential topics in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. The focus is on the system connections and interrelationships between the four Earth Science disciplines. Special emphasis will be placed on examples from the Pacific Northwest. Appropriate for non-science and science majors, and elementary education majors. May require field trip or project. Lab included.
Course Content
A. The scientific method and using the metric system
B. Astronomy: the solar system and cosmos
C. Rocks and minerals
D. External geologic processes (weathering, water, wind, and ice)
E. Plate tectonics
F. Earthquakes and volcanoes
G. Earth’s geologic history
H. Oceanography: the world’s oceans and seas
I. Meteorology: the world’s atmosphere and weather
Student Outcomes
1. Describe and explain the earth’s place in space.
2. Apply and convert measurements in the metric system.
3. Identify and classify basic minerals and rocks from selected samples.
4. Apply the scientific method to the theory of plate tectonics.
5. Relate volcanoes, earthquakes and other geologic features to plate tectonics.
6. Explain how the earth has changed through geologic history and the evidence that supports these changes.
7. Describe the global ocean including its geologic setting, circulation, and coastal features and processes.
8. Interpret different types of maps and apply the latitude and longitude system of location.
9. Observe and measure weather elements, and summarize and analyze the data collected.
10. Demonstrate how seasonal changes, weather systems, local influences, cloud types, and barometric pressure may be used to forecast weather. 11.Explain how weather is affected by atmospheric circulation patterns, seasons, weather patterns, and local climate controls.
12. Communicate an awareness of human and personal impact on earth systems.
13. Seek, find, evaluate, and use data and information, obtained via library use and information technology, in learning Earth Science.
14. Combine aspects of experience, reason, and information to make conclusions and judgments (e.g. relating the theory of plate tectonics to the distribution of volcanic and earthquake activity).
Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 40
Lab Contact Hours 20
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 60
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