This course introduces basic landforms and geological processes. Topics include rocks, minerals, volcanoes, fluvial processes, geological history, plate tectonics, glaciers, and coastal dynamics. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic geological processes that shape the earth. This course covers the geological history of the earth and its life forms.
Emphasis is placed on the study of rock strata, fossil groups, and geological time.
Upon completion, students should be able to identify major fossil groups and associated rock strata and approximate ages of geological formations. Emphasis is placed on weathering, erosional and depositional processes, mountain building forces, rocks and minerals, and structural changes. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the structure, composition, and formation of the earth's crust. Emphasis is placed on natural hazards and disasters caused by geologic forces. Upon completion, students should be able to relate major hazards and disasters to the geologic forces responsible for their occurrence.