Geology (GEOL/GEOL&)

A survey of Earth science including topics on rock and mineral characteristics, natural hazards, surface and groundwater environments, marine and continental environments, resources, land-forms, and global climate change. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to geology and survey of the processes that shape the surface of the earth, including water, wind, ice, and gravity. Topics covered include: plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, the geologic time scale, and concepts of mineralogy and petrology. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to historical geology and paleontology. Studies the formation and development through time of the solid Earth, atmosphere, and biosphere. Covers past movements and locations of the continents and interpretation of past environments as recorded in rock and fossil records as well as the history of life and how living organisms evolved over geologic time from the first single-celled organisms through the first invertebrates, vertebrates and plants, to the dinosaurs, and on to the rise of the mammals and early hominids. Includes the chance to examine fossils of early life, various invertebrates, fish, other prehistoric animals, and ancient plants. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Explores processes that form and shape the earth. These processes comprise a series of integrated systems that interact to produce the earth's continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)