Discipline: Earth Science (Geology) Degree Credit  [ ]
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:
  1. Describe the scientifically accepted ideas concerning the formational processes of the earth and the processes and characteristics of plate tectonics.
  2. 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
  3. Describe the wide range geologic processes that govern the surface morphology of the earth.
  4. 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.   History of Geology
  2.  The Earth in space
  3.  Earth’s size, shape, internal structure, composition, and thermal and physical characteristics
  4.  Bathymetry and seismicity of ocean basins, paleomagnetism and age of ocean floor
  5.  Plate tectonics
  6.  Structural geology-faults and folds
  7.  Earthquakes
  8.  Chemistry of minerals and nature of matter
  9.  Igneous activity and chemistry of igneous rocks
  10.  Physical and chemical weathering of rocks
  11.  Sedimentary rock classification, origins and structures
  12.  Mass wasting (land slides)
  13. Glaciers and glaciation
  14.  Metamorphism
  15.  Mountain Building
  16.  Geologic Time
  17.  California Geology and Environmental Geology
  18.  Reading and study of text
  19.  Study of informational handouts
  20.  Preparation of three, midterm essay assignments
  21.  Research of Internet sites for earthquake and volcano data

Students are also assigned reading, writing, and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture.
  • Discussion.
  • Demonstration.
  • Multimedia.
  • Out-of-class assignment.
  • Examinations.
 
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:

  • Grades are based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter.
  • Three midterms examinations include essay questions.
  • written short-answer questions, and multiple-choice questions.
  • Comprehensive final examination   .
      
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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