GEOL 101 - Exploring Earth

Description:
An introduction to geology emphasizing the origin and nature of the common rocks, plate tectonic theory, earthquake and volcanoes, and geologic time. NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological.

Prerequisites:
Co- or prerequisite: GEOL 101LAB.

Credits: (4)

General Education Category
NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological.

Learner Outcomes, Activities and Assessments

Learner Outcome	Activity (optional)	Assessment
Students will gain a basic understanding of Earth composition and physical processes on a broad range of scales. Finally, students will understand how geologists apply scientific discovery in their many roles as professionals	The everyday application of geoscience to real, tangible societal needs (resources) and issues (hazards, for example), are constantly emphasized - from intrinsic value of increased understanding of our world to monetary value of the predictive nature of science, where appropriate. “So what?” is asked, and answered often.	Exams, homework, discussion.
Students will understand the steps in basic scientific investigation and be able to collect and analyze data. Students will understand how scientific investigation has developed over the past several centuries and how it has been applied to questions related to the nature of Earth through history. This will give students an appreciation for the “evolutionary” nature of science inquiry.	Course lectures then emphasize at every opportunity the application of the scientific method to the development of each of the main concepts taught. A “risk” exercise late in the quarter has students identify various data to formulate prediction (outcome versus probability). These concepts are emphasized in homework assignments.	Class discussion during and after exercises. Questions asked during lecture, exam questions, and homework exercises.
Students will be able to distinguish data from interpretation.	Students engage in an exercise specifically designed to distinguish data from interpretation, and why this distinction is critical in natural science.	Class discussion during and after exercises. Questions asked during lecture, exam questions, and homework exercises.
Students will understand the steps in basic scientific investigation and be able to collect and analyze data.	In-class exercise on distinguishing data from interpretation.	Quizzes and exams.
Students will gain a basic understanding of Earth composition and physical processes on a board range of scales.	Classroom discussions.	Quizzes and exams.