Course Code:
GEOL 102
Credits:
4
Calendar Description:
Introduction to Earth History, Geology 102, (4 credit hours) covers the geologic origin and development of the earth; emphasis is placed on the sedimentological record, processes and interpretations of sedimentary depositional environments and fossils found therein. Attention will be given to the concepts, methods, and evidence used to reconstruct earth history beginning with the origin of Earth, through Earth's geologic development, to the present, including the origin and evolution of life of Earth. The lecture will cover examples from primary literature where possible. The laboratory component will be a practical application of the concepts covered in lecture.
Hours:
Total Hours: 90
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 3
Pre-Requisites:
Grade 12, or with instructor's permission
Course Content:
Lecture Component:
I Historical Geology - beginnings of the study of Earth History
- the age of the Earth & development of the Geological Time
Scale
- relative and absolute dating
II Rocks and Minerals - basic mineralogy
- common rock-forming minerals
- the rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary & metamorphic
minerals)
III The Rock Record - environments of life
- environments of deposition
IV Structural Geology - tectonics
- folds and faults
- volcanoes & earthquakes
V Fossil & Evolution - major fossil groups
- fossil succession & stratigraphy
VI Geologic Life History - Precambrian
- Paleozoic
- Mesozoic
- Cenozoic
Laboratory Component:
Lab 1 Introduction to Fossils
Lab 2 Preservation of Fossils and Depositional Environments
Lab 3 Principles of Stratigraphic Correlation (Steno)
Lab 4 Plate Tectonics and Folds, Faults & Unconformities
Lab 5 Radiometric dating, relative dating (popcorn analogy)
Lab 6 Grand Interpretation
Lab 7 Pre-Cambrian: BIFs & Ediacara and Vendian faunas
Lab 8 Paleozoic: Fossil identification & drawing fossils
Lab 9 Mesozoic: Ammonite bites & vertebrae shapes
Lab 10 Tertiary: fossil picking and NALMA's
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course the student will:
- have a thorough understanding of the principles and methods used to decipher Earth History;
- have a detailed understanding of the geological evolution of the Earth;
- have a detailed understanding of the evolution of Earth's biosphere;
- know and be able to use the geological time scale;
- have an appreciation for the role that historical geology plays in science and the future of humankind and society
Grading System:
Letters
Grading Weight:
Final Exam: 35 %
Midterm Exam: 25 %
Lab Work: 40 %
Other Programs:
Academic
Associate of Arts Diploma
Associate of Arts Degree