Geology
An introduction to study of the Earth. Physical processes that continuously
change the Earth’s surface and interior are studied to understand the origins of
rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, continents, oceans, and the atmosphere. Course
includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory applications each
week. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1030
A study of the interrelated physical and biological changes occurring during
Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history. Geologic, biologic, and radiometric dating
principles are used to interpret the rock and fossil records of change occurring on
continents and in ocean basins that have affected the evolution of life on Earth.
Course includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory applications
each week. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 1040
A study of the Earth’s environment and the natural and anthropogenic impacts
that affect the environment. A review of Earth’s geology provides a basis
for discussing environmental issues stemming from the rapid increase in world
population and the associated demands for resources and energy. Focus is on
current environmental issues such as water and air pollution, global warming,
managing waste discharges, energy production, and how to manage change to
ensure a high quality environment for generations that follow. Environmental
issues will be further explored in weekly laboratory exercises. Prerequisite(s):
GEOL 1040; no prerequisite for Career Programs majors
This course covers the basic principles from the fields of geology, oceanography,
meteorology and astronomy. Topics include map interpretation, minerals
and rocks, processes acting at the Earth’s surface and within the Earth, plate
tectonics, geologic time and dating, water movements, ocean floor, weather
and climate, composition and motions of the Earth, solar systems, phases of the
moon, origin and life cycles of stars, and galaxies. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1030
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