G 101L - Intro to Geology I Lab

G 101  

Course Description: Studies the earth’s internal structure and composition as well as the mechanics of plate tectonics. Covers the fundamentals of geology from the beginning of the solar system to the formation and interaction of continents and the ocean floor, igneous rocks including magmatic and volcanic processes, minerals, and the fundamentals of earthquake activity.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Analyze rocks and minerals, working in teams. (ILO: Communication)
• CLO#2: Interpret maps, charts, and other written information.
• CLO#3: Using identification charts, books, and lab materials properly identify and classify mineral samples and igneous rocks.
• CLO#4: Formulate math and logic problems on earthquake and plate tectonics in lab.
• CLO#5: Describe the physical characteristics of rocks and how to use them to identify different types of rocks.

This is an introduction course in geology that covers the basic analysis of the formation of the Earth, development of and understanding of geologic time, an introduction to minerals and rocks and their uses, as well as in-depth analysis of the formation of igneous rocks.  The course goes on to develop an understanding of earthquakes, the interior of the earth, leading up to an understanding of the dynamic tectonics of plate motion and the relationship of continental and oceanic crustal processes. The course attempts to provide a bridge between the natural functioning of the planet and the human influence on the surface.

Laboratory Topics

Scientific Method

Observing and Measuring Earth Materials

Mineral Properties and Identification

The Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks

Earthquakes

Plate Tectonics

Field Trip (Crater Rock Museum and/or Josephine Ophiolite and/or Table Rocks)

Geologic Structures

Student Presentations

 

Typical Required and Recommended Equipment and Materials: calculator, hand lens, pencils and erasers

ACTI Code and Course Type
100 Lower Division Collegiate

Length of Course:
A required state minimum of (30) and a standard RCC delivery of (33) lecture hours per term, not to exceed (36) hours per term.