GEO 105 - Shaping the Earth

5 Credits

Explore the geologic processes that contribute to making Earth’s unique and varied landscapes! This class investigates how plate tectonics works to build up Earth’s surface through folding, faulting, volcanism, and mountain-building, then studies how waves, wind, gravity, groundwater, rivers, and glaciers act to erode, modify and shape different environments.

Course Note Previously GEOL 105.
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Fall Day
Winter Day, Evening
Spring Day

Designed to Serve Designed for transfer students as well as general students who need an elective to satisfy distribution requirements.
Active Date 2014-04-25

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 28
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science

Course Outline
1. Principles of geology including plate tectonics. 2. Surface processes and landforms: streams, flooding, groundwater, caves, Karst, glaciers, waves and nearshore currents, wind weathering, deserts, local landforms 3. May include: tectonic processes and landforms: volcanoes, geologic structures and mountain building

Student Learning Outcomes
Student will be able to describe how Earthâ€™s features are related to geologic processes including plate tectonics and how landscapes evolve through time.

Student will recognize that the origin and evolution of topography is dependent on geologic structure, geomorphic process, and the state of development.

Student will show a working knowledge of the fundamentals of geology.

Student will demonstrate the relationship of plate tectonics and the creation and destruction of landscape features.

Student will achieve relevant Program, Department and Division outcomes.

Student will demonstrate an ability to access and synthesize information and cite sources.

Student will use geologic principles and evidence to demonstrate the vastness of geologic time and the rate of geologic processes.

Student will be able to explain the theory of plate tectonics and identify the evidence used to support it.

Student will be able to describe how Earthâ€™s features are related to geologic processes and how landscapes evolve through time.

Student will be able to identify the major features of the Earthâ€™s continents and oceans and explain their relationship to tectonic processes