Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SDCM-0031
Organization's ID:
Geology 101
Organization:
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
Self-paced. 9 weeks (33 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Geology or Earth Science
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to introduce the student to the Earth's structure, geologic processes and materials.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Examine the scientific method, Earth's subsystems and the various branches of geological study
  • Compare and contrast the physical properties of metals, minerals and rocks, including sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and the roles they play in sustaining life on earth
  • Analyze the processes of mechanical and chemical weathering, erosion, along with soil structure and type, the types of stress leading to rock deformation and the causes of various geological folds and faults
  • Explain the water cycle, distribution of water, drainage basins, stream flow, groundwater systems, the effect of erosion and deposition on landforms and how landform diagrams depict a landscape's geological progression
  • Categorize types of glaciers, glacier movement, glacier budget, erosion, deposition, glaciation and causes of glaciation
  • Summarize the structure of the ocean, marine organisms, oceanic ridge systems, basins, as well as active and passive continental margins
  • Identify characteristics of deserts in general and those in the Southwest U.S. in particular
  • Break down the internal and external forces that shape Earth through looking at the four spheres of Earth, the mechanism of plate tectonics and continental drift, and the cause of earthquakes

General Topics:

  • Introduction to geology
  • Earth materials
  • Mineral types, properties and uses
  • Earth and celestial rocks
  • Igneous rocks
  • Sedimentary rocks: a deeper look
  • Metamorphic rocks: a deeper look
  • Rock deformation and mountain building
  • Weathering and erosion
  • Running water
  • Ground water
  • Glaciers
  • Oceans
  • Deserts and wind
  • Water balance on Earth
  • Geologic time
  • Earth's spheres and internal structure
  • Earthquakes
  • Plate tectonics
  • Economic geology and mineral resources
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials