Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic resources and processes. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and is the focus as we learn how the Earth changes over geologic time and results in the formation of volcanoes and mountain belts, faults, folds and earthquakes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces Earth, the planet we live on: how it formed, how it has changed over time, the processes involved, and how we interact with it. EASC 101 is designed both as a foundation course for Earth Science majors and as a breadth course for those in other disciplines. Classes will include inquiry-based activities and discussion focused on geologic theory, while laboratory sessions focus on "hands on" exercises emphasizing Earth materials (rocks and minerals), and Earth processes, history and structure.  

Course Topics:
With successful completion of EASC 101, a student will be knowledgeable about:

1. Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics
2. Geologic Processes (Mountain Building, Earthquakes, Volcanism)
3. Earth Materials (Minerals, Rocks, Sediments, Economic Resources) and the relationship between Earth Materials and Plate Tectonics
4. Geologic Time and Earth History
5. Earth Sciences and the Environment (Mass Wasting, Surface Water, Groundwater)
6. Coastlines, Marine Geology and West Coast Tectonics

Course Organisation: Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab per week.  Lab attendance is mandatory. Students are also expected to attend all lectures and do the assigned chapter readings corresponding to each lecture prior to coming to class.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Understand and describe the layered Earth.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plate tectonic theory.
• Understand our local plate tectonic setting, volcanism and seismic risk /hazard.
• Identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen based upon their diagnostic properties (minerals), and composition / texture (rocks).
• Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections and maps.
• Know the geologic time scale.
• Demonstrate knowledge about geologic processes.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

While lab work sheets will be provided, please bring a pencil, eraser, and ruler to each lab. Other materials are supplied. Students will be provided with lab instructions and worksheets to work from in each lab.

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: