Chabot College
February 1994
Removed Fall 2010
Course Outline for Geology 1A
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Catalog Description:
1A - Physical Geology
4 Units
Introduction to the forces and materials that shape the Earth. Emphasis on plate tectonics,
volcanoes, earthquakes, hydrology, erosion, beach systems, environmental geology, rocks, minerals
and geologic maps. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5]
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
recognize and describe three major rock types, their origin and classification system;
2.
recognize common rock-building minerals and apply them to the classification of igneous
rocks;
3.
understand types and processes of rock weathering;
4.
understand sedimentation processes and differentiate sedimentary rocks from various
environments;
5.
understand the origin and use of the geologic time scale;
6.
understand the application of radioactivity to measure ages of rocks;
7.
be familiar with erosion processes, identify and describe the responsible agents by
characteristics of sedimentary rocks;
8.
be familiar with major features of the ocean floor and know the current theories of their
origins;
9.
know the mechanism of earthquakes and understand the interpretation of their records;
10.
know the principles by which the earth's inner structure and composition are deduced;
11.
be familiar with the theories regarding the formation of the earth, building of mountains, and
plate tectonics;
12.
appreciate human's rapid exploitation of natural resources and the future prospects for their
use;
13.
understand current theories and observations concerned with the earth as a planet of the
solar system and the probable origin of the system;
14.
understand construction and use of topographic and geologic maps and cross-sections.
Course Content:
1.
Nature and scope of geology
2.
Matter and energy
3.
Minerals
4.
Igneous rocks and igneous activity
5.
Weathering of igneous rocks
6.
Sedimentary rocks and their deposition
7.
Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks
8.
Geologic time and its measurement
9.
Erosion, its measurement and operation
10.
Earthquakes and the earth's interior
11.
Crustal deformation and mountain building
12.
Continental drift, paleomagnetism plate tectonics
13.
Natural resources and their future use
14.
The solar system
Chabot College
Course Outline for Geology 1A, Page 2
February 1994
Methods of Presentation:
1.
Lecture and discussion
2.
laboratory demonstrations and study
3.
Media presentations
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Quizzes
2.
Midterm examinations
3.
Final examination
4.
Written lab assignments and identification tests on minerals and rocks
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Earth's Dynamic Systems, Hamblin, MacMillan Publishers
Special Student Materials:
hp revised 2/94
a:Geology:Geo1ACO.CON
None