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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture
Course: GLG101

First Term: 2013 Fall
 Lecture   3 Credit(s)   3 Period(s)   3 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S


Description: A study of the kind and arrangement of materials composing the earth`s crust and the geological processes at work on and within the earth`s surface



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the scientific foundations of physical geology. (I)
2. Describe the building blocks of matter. (II)
3. Describe the three-part classification of rock processes. (II)
4. Explain the concept of geologic time. (III)
5. Describe geologic structures in crustal rocks. (IV)
6. Describe the internal structure of the earth. (IV)
7. Explain the theory of plate tectonics. (V)
8. Describe the process of weathering. (VI)
9. Describe coastal processes. (VI)
10. Explain the geological processes associated with deserts. (VI)
11. Describe glaciation and glacial landforms. (VI)
12. Describe the importance of geology to man. (VII)
13. Describe the earth`s place in the cosmos. (VII)
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 physical geology
   A. Scientific foundations
      1. Nature of models in science
      2. Changing models of the earth
      3. Founders of the science of geology
   B. The new model of the earth
      1. Plate tectonics
      2. Plate boundaries
II. Earth materials
   A. Building blocks of matter
      1. Atoms and molecules
      2. Minerals
      3. Rocks
   B. Classification of rock processes
      1. Igneous
      2. Sedimentary
      3. Metamorphic
III. Geologic time
   A. Relative ages
      1. Correlation
      2. Unconformities
      3. The geologic time scale
   B. Absolute ages
      1. The nuclear clock
      2. Earth chronology
IV. Geologic structures
   A. Crustal rocks
      1. Rock bodies
      2. Folds
      3. Faults
   B. Interior of the earth
      1. Seismology
      2. Mantle
      3. Core
V. Plate tectonics
   A. Continents
      1. Cratons
      2. Orogenic belts
   B. Ocean floors
      1. Mountains and ridges
      2. Trenches
      3. Sea floor spreading
   C. Examples
      1. Appalachian mountains
      2. Western North America
VI. Other geologic processes
   A. Weathering
      1. Mechanical vs. chemical
      2. The importance of water
      3. Erosion
   B. Coastal processes
      1. Ocean currents
      2. Coastal erosion
      3. Coastal deposition
   C. Deserts
      1. Desert landforms
      2. Wind action
   D. Glaciation
      1. Glacial landforms
      2. Dynamics of glaciers
      3. Pleistocene ice ages
VII. Geology in perspective
   A. Human concerns
      1. Mineral resources
      2. Water resources
      3. Environmental geology
   B. The earth and the cosmos
      1. Meteorites
      2. Moon rocks and beyond
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 5/24/1994

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.