GEOL 1030 - Historical Geology

Academic Division:

Liberal Arts

Academic Discipline:

Geology

Assistant Dean: Steve Haynes PhD

4 Credit(s)
Historical Geology is an introductory course describing the fundamental concepts of Geology for Non-Science majors. It contains 12 individual lessons grouped in 3 modules. Module I - Fundamental Concepts explains the basic concepts of historical geology including, earth materials and geologic time. Module II - The Evolution of the Earth and Life through Time follows the evolutionary processes of both the solid Earth and biology through time. Module III - A Closer Look into the Major Time Periods is an in depth look into each of the 5 major time periods with the focus on the biologic evolution. UG

2 Lab Hour(s)

3 Lecture Hour(s);

College Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Learning Outcomes	Assessments - - How it is met & When it is met
Communication – Written
Communication – Speech
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Critical Thinking
Information Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

Student Learning Outcomes for Course

Outcomes	Assessments – How it is met & When it is met
1. Explain the process of the scientific method. Describe and summarize the fundamental geologic theories of plate tectonics and biologic evolution. Identify and explain the major geologic processes operating on Earth.	Module I – 1 to 2 assignments, chapter review questions, and Lab 1 assignment. This will be met during week 1 and also on exam 1 at the end of week 4.
2. Describe, define, and explain the materials on Earth including, rocks, minerals, and crystals. Explain the 3 rock types and summarize the rock cycle.	Module I – 2 homework assignment worksheets, chapter review questions, and Lab 2 – Rocks and Minerals assignment. This will be met during weeks 2 and 3 and also on exam 1 at the end of week 4.
3. Identify the various techniques of stratigraphic correlation and distinguish between the 3 types of unconformities. Summarize the geologic time scale and the divisions of time.	Module I – 1 homework assignment, chapter review questions, and lab1. This will be met during weeks 3 and 4 and also on exam 1 at the end of week 4.
4. Describe how living things are classified and differentiate between a biological species and a paleontological species. Explain the factors governing the distribution and abundance of life forms.	Module II – 1 homework assignment, chapter review questions, and labs 8 through 12. This will be met during weeks 5 and 6 and also on exam 2 at the end of week 10.
5. Explain biologic evolution and summarize the evidence we use to explain it. Describe the structure of genetic material. Explain speciation and how species evolve. Explain the role of mass extinctions in construction of the geologic time scale.	Module II – 1 homework assignment, chapter review questions, and labs 8 through 12. This will be met during weeks 6 and 7 and also on exam 2 at the end of week 10.
6. Explain the types of geologic evidence that can be used to interpret ancient sedimentary environments. Explain the major features of modern nonmarine, transitional marine/nonmarine, and marine environments. Describe how greenhouse gases cause increases in global temperature.	Module II – 1 homework assignment, chapter review questions, and labs 3 through 7. This will be met during weeks 7 and 8 and also on exam 2 at the end of week 10.
7. Explain continental drift and seafloor spreading, the two hypotheses that gave rise to the theory of plate tectonics. Summarize the basic forms of tectonic boundaries. Explain fault patterns at each of the boundaries.	Module II – 1 homework assignment, chapter review questions, and labs 3 through 7. This will be met during weeks 9 and 10 and also on exam 2 at the end of week 10.

Standard Grading Scale
93-100 A

90 - 92 A-

87- 89 B+

83 - 86 B

80 -82 B-

77- 79 C+

73 - 76 C

70 -72 C-

67- 69 D+

63 - 66 D

60 -62 D-

00- 59 F

Statement on Diversity
North Central State College believes that every student is a valued and equal member of the community.* Every student brings different experiences to the College, and all are important in enriching academic life and developing greater understanding and appreciation of one another. Therefore, NC State College creates an inclusive culture in which students feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Discrimination and prejudice have no place on the campus, and the College takes any complaint in this regard seriously. Students encountering aspects of the instruction that result in barriers to their sense of being included and respected should contact the instructor, assistant dean, or dean without fear of reprisal.

*Inclusive of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation,

Standard NCSC Course Policies
Important information regarding College Procedures and Policies can be found on the syllabus supplement located at this link