Discipline: Earth Science (Geology) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geology 1


COURSE DESCRIPTION
1 Physical Geology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Examines the composition and structure of the Earth, and the processes that shape its surface such as earthquakes, volcanoes, running water, glaciers, and plate tectonics. The course also examines some of the social consequences of geologic processes, and addresses the study of the geology of other planetary bodies. Has an optional laboratory course (GEOLOGY 1L) and an optional field course (GEOLOGY 30). Total of 54 Hours Lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Examines the composition and structure of the Earth, and the processes that shape its surface such as earthquakes, volcanoes, running water, glaciers, and plate tectonics.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Describe the scientifically accepted ideas concerning the formational processes of the earth and the processes and characteristics of plate tectonics.

Recognize the characteristics of the materials composing the earth and be able to describe the conditions under which those materials form and where they can be found

Describe the wide range geologic processes that govern the surface morphology of the earth.

Identify types of tectonic features such as faults and plate boundaries and describe the manner in which they are created and evolve.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Plate tectonics
  2. Earth as a planet and how it compares to other planets and bodies within the universe.
  3. Formation of the earth and moon.
  4. Earths internal structure and layers within the earth based on both composition and physical properties.
  5. Properties of atoms and elements and the nature of chemical bonding styles as they relate to the formation of minerals and rocks.
  6. Formational processes and types of minerals.
  7. Formational processes, types, variety and distribution of igneous rock types, including both plutonic and volcanic rocks and evolution of magmas, including Bowen's Reaction Series.
  8. Volcanic hazards, the processes that create them and the features and porcesses that result from them.
  9. Processes of physical and chemical weathering and erosion.
  10. Formational processes and types of sedimentary rocks.
  11. Sedimantary depositional environments.
  12. Formational processes, agents and types of metamorphic rocks.
  13. Development, history and utility of the geologic time scale.
  14. Methods of age dating materials, including radiometric dating, relative dating, biostratigraphy correlation and tree rings.
  15. Geologic structures and the tectonic forces deforming earth's crust, the nature of the deforming forces and types of folds, faults, joints and other features.
  16. Earthquakes, their causes, hazards and the methods used to locate, measure, predict and plan for them.
  17. Development and characteristics of ocean basins.
  18. Formation and features of hydrologic systems.
  19. Processes and effects of mass wasting.
  20. Origin and materials of the ocean basins, and the processes that modify the sea floor and the features those processes create.
  21. Mountain bulding processes (orogenesis) within continental crust, evolution of mountain belts and the growth of continents.
  22. Glaciers and glaciation, including types and features of Alpine and Continental glacial systems, glacial budgets and evolution of glacial features.
  23. Desert landscapes including distribution, types and features.
  24. Ocean waves, tides and tsunamis.
  25. Coastal processes and the development of landforms through processes such as longshore drift, wave refraction, tectonsim, ocean circulation patterns and local effects as well as human influence. Discussions may include emerging coastlines, erosional coasts, drowned coasts and passive coastal margins.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures to describe the processes and features of the topics outlined above.
  • Utilize Power Point presentations (or slides/overheads) to enhance points made in the lecture and to illustrate a variety of geological concepts.
  • Show videos in order ti illustrate geologic events in real time, as well as to demonstrate events (modeled) through geologic history, which are not directly observable.
  • Videos will provide the students with an opportunity to see what experts in various fields have to say about a variety of the topics outlined  above.
  • Develop and assign group and individual exercises to help the students gain a greater depth of knowledge in specific topics and enhance the educational experience.
  • Develop and assign web-based activities such as visiting the United States Geological Survey web site, Cascades Volcano Observatory web site, and other geologically oriented sites in order for students to see real-time monitoring of geological activity and examine advances in planetary geology.
  • Invite guest lecturers to class in order to expose students to other opinions and viewpoints and to demonstrate the relevancy of selected topics and sub-disciplines.
  • Students may also use the Internet for online paper submissions.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Examinations and quizzed will be given which are designed to determine the students comprehension of materials presented in class. Question types may include but are not limited to: essay and short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, true and false, matching and draw-and -label the diagram.
  • Written reports may be assigned which are designed to allow the students to explore specific geology topic in greater depth. Completion of the reports will expose students to a greater breadth of information and will demonstrate to the instructor whether or not the students are able to utilize the materials covered in class to gain a broader understanding of a topic explore on their own.
  • Class and individual projects (as outlined above) designed to help the students understand geological concepts will be collected for evaluation. The completeness and correctness of these assignments will provide a measure of the level of understanding each student has achieved and if the students are indeed moving toward the student learning outcomes.
  • A final examination designed to determine the level of proficiency each student has achieved in the aggregate of all topics presented during the course. This will also aid the instructor in adjusting the lesson plan or emphasis in future classes to ensure students are achieving the student learning outcomes.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Tarbuck and Lutgens. 1. Earth, An Introduction to Physical Geology. 5 ed. any: Prentice Hall , 0.
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