EESC 170 Physical Geology (Lec/Lab)

This is a course covering the fundamental concepts of geology that describe the Earth's constitution, structure, and evolution. Specific topics addressed will include rock mineralogy and formation, tectonic plates and their boundaries, erosional and depositional processes, and interactions between the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. 

Credits

3/1

Offered

Spring, odd years

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the scientific process
2. Explain the rock cycle, including different processes used to form and modify rocks as well as how mineral behavior affects these processes
3. Identify the different geologic time periods
4. Understand plate tectonics and landforms associated with plate boundaries
5. Describe different erosional processes
6. Explain how the water cycle impacts different aspects of the rock cycle
7. Discuss the geologic impacts of anthropogenic behavior
8. Describe the evidence for global climate change
9. Describe the scientific process
10. Accurately identify rocks and minerals
11. Understand the use of maps in geology
12. Understand how geologic processes create different landforms