Central Michigan University
College of Science & Technology
Course Syllabus
GEL
101
Physical Geology
I.
Bulletin Description
3 (3-0)
An introduction to the surficial and internal earth processes that shape our world. Topics include plate
tectonics, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Ice Age. (Group II-A) Credit may not be
earned in both GEL 101 and 100, 105, or 130.
II.
Prerequisites
III.
Rationale for Course Level
An introductory course.
IV.
Textbooks and Other Materials to be Furnished by the Student
Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth, 4th ed. J.S. Monroe and R. Wicander, 2000.
V.
Special Requirements of the Course
VI.
General Methodology Used in Conducting the Course
Lectures, slides, cooperative-learning activities, and class discussion.
VII.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
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Recognize and describe different types of earth materials, describe their economic uses, and explain the
difference between renewable and non-renewable earth resources.
Explain how rocks are formed, how they are broken down, how soil is formed and how surface features
change in response to the rock cycle.
Use the concept of the hydrologic cycle to trace the path that rain water follows after it falls, describe
how surface water reaches the ocean and returns, and explain how water exists below the earth’s
surface and how it is replenished.
Describe how human activities affect the quality of water in the hydrosphere.
Understand and describe natural processes and anthropogenic effects that produce changes in the
earth’s surface and Identify, describe and understand the formation of major surface features of Earth
including those produced in the Great Lakes region by glaciation during the “Ice Age.”
Evaluate and use evidence for the plate tectonics theory to explain internal and external geological
phenomena and to explain the generation of associated features of the earth’s surface.
Explain how rocks and fossils are used to understand the age and geological history of the earth.
VIII. Course Outline
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Understanding the Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology
Minerals
Igneous Rocks, Intrusive Igneous Activity, and Volcanism
Weathering, Erosion, and Soil
Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
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IX.
Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
Geologic Time
Earthquakes and the Interior of the Earth
Plate Tectonics, Deformation, Mountain Building, and the Evolution of Continents
Mass Wasting
Running Water, Ground Water and Water Quality
Glaciers and Glaciation
The Work of Wind and Deserts
Shorelines, Shoreline Processes, and the Sea Floor
Evaluation
Several one-hour examinations and a non-comprehensive final examination are required. In addition,
individual instructors may require numerous quizzes and in-class exercises. The in-class exercises will
require both computational and written answers to specific questions, and the exams will involve essay
questions and calculation-based problems that range from 30% to 60% of the point value of the test.
Therefore, over 50% of the grade will come from significant writing or computations.
X.
Bibliography
Texts:
The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 4th ed. by B.J. Skinner & S.C. Porter, John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000.
Physical Geology, by J.J. Renton, West Publishing Co., 1994.
Earth’s Dynamic Systems, 8th ed., by W.K. Hamblin and E.H. Christiansen, Prentice-Hall, 1997
Understanding Earth, 3rd ed., by F. Press & R. Siever, W.H. Freeman & Co., 2001.
Physical Geology, 9th ed. by C.C. Plummer and D. McGeary, McGraw-Hill, 2002.
Essentials of Geology, 3rd. ed. by R. Wicander and J.S. Monroe, Brooks-Cole, 2001.
Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth, 4th ed., J.S. Monroe and R. Wicander, Brooks-Cole, 2000.
Computer and Internet resources
Digital Library for Earth System Education. http://www.dlese.org/
Earth Systems Today:College Edition (P. Samson, 2000) Interactive CD-ROM and Web site,
Brooks/Cole.
Geodynamics Data Base (1996) CD-ROM. Earthquake and volcano data with interactive activities to
plot earthquake centers and evaluate geologic hazards. http://edudex.com
The Good Earth: An Independent Resource for Introductory Geology. Integrated series of Internet
resources with animations, quizzes, and exercises. McGraw-Hill.
Model Maker. Simulation modeling software. Cherwell Scientific.
Plate Tectonics and How the Earth Works (1999) CD-ROM. Interactive program with animations and
tutorials. http://edudex.com
Rocks & Minerals. CD-ROM. Graphics and interactive exercises. Virtual mineral testing and
identification. Carolina Supply.
Science News Online. http://www.sciencenews.org/
The Volcano Information Center. http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/~fisher/
The Theory of Plate Tectonics. CD-ROM. Animations, tutorials, interactive exercises. Carolina Supply.
Universities Space Research Association's Earth System Science Education Program: Earth System
Science Online. http://www.usra.edu/esse/essonline/
WWW Geology Resources: http://craton.geol.brocku.ca/guest/jurgen/grad.htm
West’s Geology Resources: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/
USGS Geology Page: http://geology.usgs.gov/index.shtml
About Geology – The Complete Guide to Earth Science: http://geology.about.com/
Syllabus Prepared By:
David J. Matty
Name
April, 2003
Date