Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Recognize and apply the methods of scientific problem-solving and critical thinking.
2. Explain the difference between physical and historical geology.
3. Apply the major stratigraphic and structural principles of historical geology to real-world landscapes.
4. Describe the development of geology as a science.
5. State the difference between catastrophism and uniformitarianism.
6. List and briefly discuss the four "spheres" that comprise the Earth System:
6a. Lithosphere
6b. Hydrosphere
6c. Atmosphere
6d. Biosphere
7. Briefly describe the events that lead to the formation of the solar system.
8. Differentiate between absolute and relative geologic time.
9. Discuss the ways in which geologic materials are dated.
10. Understand that scientific evidence places the age of Earth at ~4.6 billion years.
11. Know the Geologic Time scale and understand its development.
12. Discuss the concept that "one rock is the raw material for another."
13. Explain the difference between the theories of Continental Drift and of Plate Tectonics.
14. Explain the steps that were taken to develop the theory of Plate Tectonics and why, in the twentieth century, this theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth.
15. Use real data to support the theory of Plate Tectonics.
16. Briefly discuss the three models proposed to explain the driving force(s) behind plate movement.
17. Explain the evolution of the Earth using the principles of Plate Tectonic Theory.
18. Compare the formation of continental lithosphere with oceanic lithosphere and identify where lithosphere is being formed or destroyed.
19. Discuss the inter-relationships between the physical and biological history of Earth.
20. Describe the current scientific theories of the origin of the Universe, Solar System, and Earth.
21. Discuss the origin of life and the various evidences from the fossil record for the origin of life on Earth.
22. List the classification of the major fossil groups and recognize representative examples.
23. Apply data related to environments in which sedimentary materials are deposited.
24. Understand that tectonic activity influences global climate and that climate change is a major influence in life evolution.
25. Understand the geologic evidence for evolution.
26. Identify several types of geologic resources and briefly describe their formation.
27. Use geologic block diagrams to determine the geologic history of an area.
28. Use the Earth science to become an informed and responsible citizen of the planet.
29. Analyze the impact of historical geology on societal problems, history, and culture.
30. Discuss how gender, ethnicity and identify influence perspectives on historical geology.