GLG 101IN - Physical Geology [SUN# GLG 1101]

1. Utilize scientific methods to formulate and answer questions.
2. Describe the cause, associated processes, and consequences of plate tectonics.
3. Demonstrate the ability to classify and identify common minerals.
4. Describe rock-formation processes and distinguishing properties of common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
5. Describe the hydrologic cycle and the properties of surface and subsurface water.
6. Observe and interpret crustal deformation.
7. Describe the scope of geologic time and the techniques used to make geochronometric measurements.
8. Observe and interpret geologic formations in a natural, outdoor setting.

1. Perform activities to demonstrate improvement in the general education goals of communication and critical thinking.
2. Demonstrate the ability to measure mass, length, and volume in metrics using appropriate scientific measurement tools.
3. Use and interpret geologic maps and cross-sections. 
4. Use the scientific method to design and conduct an experiment. 
5. Discuss the historic development of geologic concepts.
6. Describe the scope of geologic time and the nature of geochronometric measurements.
7. Describe the principles of plate tectonics and their contribution to understanding Earth’s history. 
8. Describe the character of the earth’s interior and how this is determined.
9. Identify and assess the major rock types and their constituent minerals and properties using hands-on field methods such as hardness, cleavage and their relationships to one another. 
10. Explain the interactions of the various materials and processes of the “rock cycle”.
11. Describe the various processes associated with igneous rock formation.
12. Describe the various processes associated with sediments and the formation of sedimentary rocks.
13. Describe the various processes of metamorphism and the formation of metamorphic rocks.
14. Describe the oceans and the hydrologic cycle.
15. Describe the various surface processes, such as weathering, soil formation, erosion, transport, deposition, weather, and climate, which affect the Earth’s surface. 
16. Discuss groundwater and surface water resources with respect to quality, storage, use, and depletion.
17. Describe the subsurface conditions and processes within the Earth, including earthquakes, heat, and pressure.
18. Relate common geologic structures to the forces and processes that create them and modify the Earth’s surface topography.
19. Discuss geologic resources and how humans have used and altered them.
20. Describe the geologic history of the Earth and discuss its relevance to human history.
21. Make observations of geologic formations and structures in a natural, outdoor setting and explain the forces and processes that created them.
22. Observe and identify rocks and minerals in a natural, outdoor setting.

1. Scientific Measurements, Maps, Cross Sections, and the Scientific Method
   1. Maps on a curved surface (Earth)
   2. Geologic cross sections
   3. Metric measurements and conversion factors
   4. The Scientific Method(s)
2. Introduction to Geology
   1. Historic development of geologic concepts
   2. Geologic time
   3. Plate tectonics
   4. The Earth as a system
3. Earth’s Composition
   1. The Earth’s interior
   2. Minerals
   3. Rocks and the rock cycle
4. Surface Processes and Investigative Tools
   1. Weather and climate
   2. Weathering and soil formation
   3. Oceans and the hydrologic cycle
   4. Erosion and deposition, landslides, floods, glaciation, shoreline processes, desert formation
5. Subsurface Processes and Investigative Tools
   1. Heat and pressure conditions
   2. Layers, plate tectonics and earthquakes
   3. Heat sources and convection
   4. Magnetic field
6. Geologic Structures
   1. Faults
   2. Folds
   3. Plate movements and mountain building
   4. Continents and ocean basins
7. Geologic Resources
   1. Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere
   2. Groundwater and surface water resources
   3. Mineral resources
   4. Fossil fuels and energy minerals
   5. Construction materials
   6. Soils
8. History of Earth and Solar System
   1. Planetary
   2. Plate tectonics
   3. Catastrophes, mass extinctions, and climate extremes
9. Observation of Rocks and Minerals in a Natural, Outdoor Setting