Catalog 2018-2019 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GEOL& 101 Intro Physical Geology

5 credits
Studies the physical processes, both on and beneath the surface, that have over time given the earth its present form. Course format includes field and laboratory study of minerals, rocks, and maps. Off-campus field trip may be required. Laboratory Science Course.

Student Outcomes/Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Evaluate scientific information using the scientific method
  • Distinguish between observation and interpretation, and hypothesis and theory
  • Define geology
  • Identify the major layers of the earth and list their basic characteristics
  • Explain the theory of plate tectonics and its significance
  • Describe igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their relationship between them in the rock cycle
  • Identify and distinguish between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
  • Explain how and why rocks undergo metamorphism
  • Define elements, minerals, and rocks and describe the differences between them
  • Describe some common uses of minerals in our everyday lives
  • Apply basic rock interpretation techniques to local examples and case studies
  • Explain how and where magma forms in the earth and its relationship to igneous rocks
  • Describe the basic structure of soil
  • Differentiate between weathering and erosion
  • Compare the common types of environments in which sediment is deposited, and list the characteristics of the sediments found in each environment
  • Distinguish between relative and absolute time and explain how they are used in conjunction to determine the age of rocks
  • Place human concept of time in context of geologic time
  • Explain what causes earthquakes and how they are related to plate boundaries
  • Describe some of the geologic effects of earthquakes
  • Apply earthquake knowledge to describe the types and causes of earthquakes in the northwest
  • Describe the basic tectonic setting of the Pacific Northwest
  • List the basic agents that are responsible for sculpting the earth’s surface (rivers, groundwater, glaciers, wind and wave)
  • Distinguish between resources and reserve and between renewable and nonrenewable geologic resources


Total Hours: 60 Lecture Hours: 40 Lab or Clinical Hours: 20