GEOL 1403 - Physical Geology

4 credit hours. 3 lecture hours. 3 lab hours.

interior of Earth over time. These processes are described by theories based on experimental data and

geologic data gathered from field observations. Laboratory activities will cover

methods used to collect and analyze earth science data.

Additional Fees: $24

Measurable Learning Outcomes:
Describe how the scientific method has led to our current understanding of Earth’s structure and processes.

Interpret the origin and distribution of minerals, rocks and geologic resources.

Describe the theory of plate tectonics and its relationship to the formation and distribution of Earth’s crustal

features.

Quantify the rates of physical and chemical processes acting on Earth and how these processes fit into the

context of geologic time.

Communicate how surface processes are driven by interactions among Earth’s systems (e.g., the

geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere).

Identify and describe the internal structure and dynamics of Earth.

Describe the interaction of humans with Earth (e.g., resource development or hazard assessment).

Classify rocks and minerals based on chemical composition, physical properties, and origin.

Apply knowledge of topographic maps to quantify geometrical aspects of topography.

Identify landforms on maps, diagrams, and/or photographs and explain the processes that created them.

Differentiate the types of plate boundaries and their associated features on maps and profiles and explain the

processes that occur at each type of boundary.

Identify basic structural features on maps, block diagrams and cross sections and infer how they were

created.

Demonstrate the collection, analysis, and reporting of data.