Maui Community College
Course Outline
1.
Alpha and Number
GG 101
Course Title
Introduction to Geology
Credits
Four ( 4 )
Date of Outline
February 27, 2004 (D. Grooms)
2.
Course Description
Presents principles of physical geology including
the composition and structure of the earth, its
evolution over geologic time, and processes
shaping the earth’s crust including continental
drift, volcanism, earthquakes, and erosion. Field
trips.
3.
Contact Hours/Type
Three (3) hours/Lecture
Three (3) hours/Lab
4.
Prerequisites
ENG 22 or 55 with at least C or placement at
ENG 100, and placement of at least
MATH 20/22, or consent.
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved by
Date
2
5.
General Course Objectives
Focuses on the major interior and exterior features of the planet Earth and how these
features respond to sources of energy, how human activities affect the earth and how
geology can be applied to the search for new supplies of natural resources. Includes
how geological features record the passage of time and how the methods of science are
applied to the study of the earth.
For detailed information on how GG 101 focuses on the Maui Community College
general education standards, see the attached curricular grids.
GG 101 fulfills four of the 10 credits for the Natural Science requirement for A.A., A.S,
and A.A.S. degrees at Maui Community College. This course fulfills the requirements for
the University of Hawaii at Manoa General Education Diversification, Natural Science,
Physical Sciences (D/P) and the laboratory science credit (D/Y)
6.
Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to # 7. Recommended Course Content
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Lecture
a. explain the general physical and biological aspects of planet earth;
b. demonstrate a working knowledge of basic atomic structure and mineral formation
leading to the formation of liquid magma and igneous rocks;
c. explain the rock cycle and learn methods to identify and classify igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks;
d. describe the classification of volcanic eruption types and the igneous rocks
associated with each type;
e. explain the weathering process and how it relates to the formation of sedimentary
rocks and depositional systems;
f. discuss geologic time, basic stratigraphic principles, and explain clearly the major
geological time divisions that have been important in the formation of the earth;
g. explain what causes earthquakes and tsunamis, and how to locate an earthquake’s
focus and epicenter. Explain the hazards of earthquakes and tsunamis to man and
assess man’s prediction capabilities for these disasters;
h. diagram the interior structure of the earth;
i. explain the theory of plate tectonics and how it relates to the formation of the earth
and the Hawaiian Islands;
j. discuss the effects mass movement, wind, and the work of water (streams and
oceans) in shaping the face of the earth;
k. define the hydrologic cycle and explain the processes of groundwater formation,
especially its importance to the people of Hawaii;
l. explain the characteristics of a glacier and how it operates;
m. assess and discuss the effects of man’s contributions to the saving or destruction of
the planet.
Laboratory
n. describe the process of crystal growth and identify physical properties, names and
classifications of the common rock forming minerals;
o. apply the technique of mineral identification to classify and name common igneous
rocks found in various geological settings throughout the world;
p. examine, classify, and name common sedimentary rocks based on their mineral
content, grain size, and textures;
q. describe various sedimentary rock structures and textures, and determine the rock’s
origin and environment of deposition;
r. classify and name metamorphic rocks and related ore bodies;
s. compare and contrast faults, folds, and unconformities found within sedimentary
strata, and reconstruct the local geologic history of an area;
3
t.
explain contours and construct topographic maps from raw data and/or aerial
photos. Identify important geologic features and environments;
u. use aerial and stereo photographs to identify various landforms on the earth’s
surface;
v. construct and interpret geologic maps and cross sections. Identify and describe
important geological features and how these features impact the earth and its
environment;
w. identify key geological features from photographs and maps of other plants and
satellites in our solar system;
x. differentiate between seismograms, seismographs, and seismic waves. Demonstrate
how to use the data they provide to locate earthquakes;
y. identify and explain geologic features in a field environment.
7.
Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to # 6. Student Learning Outcomes
1-2 Weeks:
Lecture
Overview of Planet Earth (a,b
Lab
Introduction to Minerals (n, o)
f, h, i, m)
1-2 Weeks:
Atoms and Minerals (b, c)
Mineral Properties and
Identification (n, o)
1-2 Weeks:
Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks
(c, d)
Igneous Rocks and Volcanic
Landforms (o)
1-2 Weeks
Weathering and Sedimentary
Rocks (c, e)
Sedimentary Rocks (p, q)
1-2 Weeks
Metamorphic Rocks (b, c, h)
Metamorphic Rocks (r)
1-2 Weeks
Work of the Wind and Water (j)
Topographic Mapping (t)
1-2 Weeks
Ground Water and Glaciers (k, l)
Topographic Mapping and
Aerial Photos (t-w)
1-2 Weeks
Deformation, Geological
Structures, and Geologic Time
(f-i)
Faults, Folds, Reconstructing
Geologic History(s-w)
1-2 Weeks
Earth’s Interior (a, g-i)
Earthquakes and Tsunamis (x)
1-2 Weeks
Plate Tectonics and Geologic
Time (f, i)
Plate Tectonics and Geologic
Time (s-x)
1-2 Weeks
Human Use of the Earth's
Resources (m)
Geologic hazards, Natural
Resources and Environmental
Alterations (s, v)
1-2 Weeks
Special Topics (a-y)
Special Topics and Field trips
(a-y)
4
8.
Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
An appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered
from those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Texts:
Plummer, C. et. al. 2005. Physical Geology and accompanying lab manual.
McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, CA.
Materials:
Text(s) may be supplemented with:
Articles and/or handouts prepared by the instructor
Magazine or newspaper articles
Other:
Appropriate laboratory materials
Appropriate films, videos or Internet sites
Television programs
Guest Speakers
Other instructional aids
9.
Recommend Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course
is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
40 – 80%
10 – 30%
0 – 30%
30 – 50%
0 – 20%
20 – 40%
0 – 20%
10.
Examinations (written and/or oral)
In-class exercises
Homework
Laboratory work
Quizzes
Projects/Research Papers/Field Trips
Attendance and/or class participation
Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary considerable with instructors and specific instructional
methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested
techniques might include, but are not limited to
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
quizzes and other tests with feedback and discussion;
field and lab practical exams;
lectures and class discussions;
problem solving;
narrated 35-mm slide and/or PowerPoint presentations;
videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs with detailed viewing guide and discussion questions;
lab activities including experiments, lab skill lessons, data analysis, and other
activities;
h. field trips including field notes, activities, observations, and data collection;
i. guest speakers and attendance at public lectures;
j. group activities;
k. oral reports and other student presentations;
l. games and simulations;
m. homework assignments such as
5
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
s.
- reading, or watching, and writing summaries and reactions to environmental
issues in the media including broadcast television, newspapers, video, magazines,
journals, lectures, web-based material, and other sources;
- mapping various environmental features;
- reading text and reference materials and answering discussion questions;
- researching environmental issues and problems;
web-based assignments and activities;
reflective journals;
group and/ or individual research projects with reports or poster presentations;
study logs and study groups;
Service-Learning, community service, and/or civic engagement projects; and
other contemporary learning techniques (such as problem-based learning,
investigative case-based learning, co-op, internships, self-paced programs, etc.)
6
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - Geology and Geophysics 2004
Standard 1: Written Communication
GG
101
GG
103
1.1 Use writing to discover
and articulate ideas
2
2
1.2 Identify and analyze the
audience and purpose for
1
1
any intended communication
1.3 Choose language, style
and organization appropriate
2
2
to particular purposes and
audiences
1.4 Gather information and
document sources
2
2
appropriately
1.5 Express a main idea as
a thesis, hypothesis, and
0
0
other appropriate content
1.6 Develop a main idea
clearly and concisely with
2
2
appropriate content
1.7 Demonstrate mastery of
the conventions of writing,
1
1
including grammar, spelling,
and mechanics
1.8 Demonstrate proficiency
in revision and editing
0
0
1.9 Develop a personal
voice in written
0
0
communication
Key:
3. Major Emphasis:: The student is actively involved (uses, reinforces, applies, and evaluated) in the Student Learning
Outcomes. The learner outcome is the focus of the class.
2. Moderate Emphasis: The student uses, reinforces, applies and is evaluated by this learner outcome, but it is not the
focus of the class
1. Minor Emphasis: The student is provided an opportunity to use, reinforce, and apply this learner outcome but does
not get evaluated on this learner outcome
0. No Emphasis: The student does not address this learner outcome
7
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - Geology and Geophysics 2004
Standard 2: Quantitative Reasoning
2.1 Apply numeric, graphic
and symbolic skills and other
forms of quantitative
reasoning, accurately and
appropriately
2.2 Demonstrate mastery of
mathematical concepts,
skills, and applications,
using technology when
appropriate
2.3 Communicate clearly
and concisely the methods
and results of quantitative
problem solving
2.4 Formulate and test
hypotheses using numerical
experimentation
2.5 Define quantitative
issues and problems, gather
relevant information, analyze
that information, and present
results
2.6 Assess the validity of
statistical conclusions
GG
101
GG
103
2
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Key:
3. Major Emphasis: The student is actively involved (uses, reinforces, applies, and evaluated) in the Student Learning
Outcomes. The learner outcome is the focus of the class.
2. Moderate Emphasis: The student uses, reinforces, applies and is evaluated by this learner outcome, but it is not the
focus of the class
1. Minor Emphasis: The student is provided an opportunity to use, reinforce, and apply this learner outcome but does
not get evaluated on this learner outcome
0. No Emphasis: The student does not address this learner outcome
8
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - Geology and Geophysics 2004
Standard 3: Information Retrieval and Technology
GG
101
GG
103
3.1 Use print and electronic
information technology
1
1
ethically and responsibly
3.2 Demonstrate knowledge
of basic vocabulary,
concepts, and operations of
1
0
information technology and
retrieval
3.3 Recognize, identify, and
define an information need
1
1
3.4 Access and retrieve
information through print and
electronic media, evaluating
1
1
the accuracy and
authenticity of that
information
3.5 Create, manage,
organize, and communicate
0
0
information through
electronic media
3.6 Recognize changing
technologies and make
0
0
informed choices about their
appropriateness and use
Key:
3. Major Emphasis:: The student is actively involved (uses, reinforces, applies, and evaluated) in the Student Learning
Outcomes. The learner outcome is the focus of the class.
2. Moderate Emphasis: The student uses, reinforces, applies and is evaluated by this learner outcome, but it is not the
focus of the class
1. Minor Emphasis: The student is provided an opportunity to use, reinforce, and apply this learner outcome but does
not get evaluated on this learner outcome
0. No Emphasis: The student does not address this learner outcome
9
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - Geology and Geophysics 2004
Standard 4: Oral Communication
GG
101
GG
103
4.1 Identify and analyze the
audience and purpose of
0
0
any intended
communication.
4.2 Gather, evaluate, select,
and organize information for
0
0
the communication.
4.3 Use language,
techniques, and strategies
1
1
appropriate to the audience
and occasion.
4.4 Speak clearly and
confidently, using the voice,
volume, tone, and
1
1
articulation appropriate to
the audience and occasion
4.5 Summarize, analyze,
and evaluate oral
communications and ask
0
0
coherent questions as
needed.
4.6 Use competent oral
expression to initiate and
1
1
sustain discussion.
Key:
3. Major Emphasis:: The student is actively involved (uses, reinforces, applies, and evaluated) in the Student Learning
Outcomes. The learner outcome is the focus of the class.
2. Moderate Emphasis: The student uses, reinforces, applies and is evaluated by this learner outcome, but it is not the
focus of the class
1. Minor Emphasis: The student is provided an opportunity to use, reinforce, and apply this learner outcome but does
not get evaluated on this learner outcome
0. No Emphasis: The student does not address this learner outcome
10
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - Geology and Geophysics 2004
Standard 5: Critical Thinking
GG
101
GG
103
5.1 Identify and state
problems, issues,
arguments, and questions
3
3
contained in a body of
information.
5.2 Identify and analyze
assumptions and underlying
3
3
points of view relating to an
issue or problem.
5.3 Formulate research
questions that require
0
0
descriptive and explanatory
analyses.
5.4 Recognize and
understand multiple modes
of inquiry, including
3
3
investigative methods based
on observation and analysis.
5.5 Evaluate a problem,
distinguishing between
relevant and irrelevant facts,
opinions, assumptions,
2
2
issues, values, and biases
through the use of
appropriate evidence.
5.6 Apply problem-solving
techniques and skills,
3
3
including the rules of logic
and logical sequence.
Key:
3. Major Emphasis:: The student is actively involved (uses, reinforces, applies, and evaluated) in the Student Learning
Outcomes. The learner outcome is the focus of the class.
2. Moderate Emphasis: The student uses, reinforces, applies and is evaluated by this learner outcome, but it is not the
focus of the class
1. Minor Emphasis: The student is provided an opportunity to use, reinforce, and apply this learner outcome but does
not get evaluated on this learner outcome
0. No Emphasis: The student does not address this learner outcome