MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Geology II - Historical

Course: GLG102IN

First Term: 2019 Summer

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T- Lab Load

Description: The origin and history of the Earth, its dynamic geographic and climatic changes. Evolution and sequence of life recorded in the fossil record; tectonic evolution of major continents through time.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe how scientific inquiry has shaped commonly held ideas about the geologic history of the Earth. (I) 2. Explain how minerals and rocks are formed. (II) 3. Describe the current theory of plate tectonics and provide scientific evidence that supports this concept. (III) 4. Describe techniques used to date geologic strata and explain the limitations of each. (IV) 5. Explain the process of fossilization and describe how that might relate to the completeness of the fossil record. (V) 6. Describe how fossil record relates to geologic stratigraphy and the geologic time scale. (V) 7. Identify important fossils in hand specimen and explain how they can be used to date geologic strata. (V) 8. Distinguish between the characteristics of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and explain their importance in interpreting the Earth`s history. (VI) 9. Outline the development of evolution theory and provide evidence supporting this concept. (VII) 10. Distinguish between the various eons and eras of the Earth`s history and explain their relationship to life forms, climate and plate tectonics. (VIII) 11. Identify folds and faults using geologic maps and explain how they can be used to interpret the geologic history of an area. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction to historical geology A. Scientific foundations B. The founders of historical geology C. Origin of Earth, the solar system and the universe II. Earth`s materials A. Atoms and molecules B. Minerals and rocks III. Plate tectonics A. Development of plate tectonic theory B. Plate boundaries C. Evidence supporting the plate tectonic model IV. Geologic time scale A. Relative dating methods B. Numerical dating methods V. Fossils A. The fossil record B. Methods of fossilization C. Stratigraphy and correlation D. Fossil identification VI. Rock types A. Sedimentary rocks 1. Classification, composition, texture and structures 2. Depositional environments 3. Correlation methods B. Igneous rocks 1. Classification, composition, texture 2. Relation to tectonic settings 3. Plutonism and volcanism C. Metamorphic rocks 1. Classification, composition, texture and structures 2. Metamorphic environments and relation to tectonic settings 3. Mountain-building VII. Evolution A. Development of evolution theory B. Evidence supporting evolution C. Mass extinctions and their causes VIII. Geologic eons and eras A. Hadean and Archean Eons 1. Tectonics and paleogeography 2. Important rock formations 3. Climate and early life forms B. Proterozoic Eon 1. Tectonics and paleogeography 2. Important rock formations 3. Climate and life forms C. Phanerozoic Eon 1. Paleozoic Era a. Tectonics and paleogeography b. Important rock formations c. Climate and life forms 2. Mesozoic Era a. Tectonics and paleogeography b. Important rock formations c. Climate and life forms 3. Cenozoic Era a. Tectonics and paleogeography b. Important rock formations c. Climate and life forms IX. Geologic maps and structures

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 11, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.