NWCCD 2020-21 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
NWCCD 2020-21 Catalog [This is an Archived Catalog.]

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GEOL 1100 - Physical Geology


This introductory course focuses on the key elements of physical geology.  Specific topics include the theory of plate tectonics, mineralogy, igneous rocks and volcanism, weathering, soils, and sedimentary rocks, metamorphism and metamorphic rocks, structural geology, seismology, mass movements, surface and ground water hydrology, glaciology and climate change.  The laboratory component reinforces lecture topics by providing hands-on experience with mineral and rock identification and map reading skills.  Opportunities for geologic field studies are also provided.

Credits: 4

Instructional Method Lecture and Lab

General Education Requirement: Physical Science
Comments: This course meets UW’s Physical and Natural World requirement.

Minimum Student Competencies
Upon completion of GEOL 1100 Physical Geology the student will:

  1. Critique the theory of plate tectonics and its supporting evidences.
  2. Explain the nature, origin, and diversity of minerals.
  3. Identify laboratory specimens of common minerals, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
  4. Explain the origin and diversity of igneous rocks, their plate tectonic context, and associated economic deposits.            
  5. Explain the origin and diversity of volcanic landforms and their plate tectonics environments.
  6. Employ topographic and geologic maps for geomorphic and structural geology analyses.
  7. Explain the origin and diversity of sedimentary rocks and their associated economic deposits.
  8. Explain the processes of metamorphism, associated metamorphic rock types, and associated economic deposits.
  9. Characterize the major types of geologic structures, their origins, and plate tectonics occurrences.
  10. Explain the nature of earthquakes, their global distribution, and the technologies and techniques employed in their study.
  11. Justify the modern view of Earth’s large scale internal structure.              
  12. Explain the nature and origin of mass movements.         
  13. Explain the nature of ground and surface water and environmental remediation techniques.
  14. Summarize the nature of glaciers and their associated landforms.
  15. Critique the anthropogenic global warming hypothesis.                
  16. Apply the scientific method to geologic problems.




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