Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. There are many other aspects of geology that build upon that initial framework. Each of the geological disciplines offers enough material for a separate course in such interesting areas as geochemistry, geophysics, volcanism, seismology, geological engineering and hydro-geology. All aspects of geology are important, but as physical geology provides a framework, historical geology can be considered to be the foundation upon which geology rests.
Historical geology looks at the history and evolution of planet Earth and the life upon it.
You had a taste of it in physical geology - absolute and relative time. Now let your curiosity lead you to delve deeper into the subject. Take a moment to mull over the following information. Petroleum products such as oil, natural gas, gasoline, and diesel fuel are products we all take for granted. Almost every time you switch on a light or take a ride in a vehicle you're reaping the benefits of our use of petroleum products.