Personal computers are occasionally used in lab, but no prior experience with computers is necessary. Some attention will focus on the role of the professional geologist and the knowledgeable layperson, as they consider together some current and potential problems arising from continued utilization and modification of our physical environment.
Students can expect considerable flexibility in the format of the course.
Please note that this course has both lecture and separate lab periods that each student must attend. Although this course can be expected to cover some of the same fundamental concepts and topics outlined for Geology 110, it is a more comprehensive introduction to the science of geology. The goals of this course are to give students a basic understanding of earth history and how it is interpreted. Lectures, laboratory assignments, and discussion sessions each week will address the above topics, as well as related areas which include geological time, the development of the Geological Column and Geological Time Scale, the fossil record, and methods of relative and absolute age dating. Weekly lab exercises will be evaluated and discussed, as well as lecture and lab exams given during the term.