This is an introductory course in geology that is intended to meet the needs of the student pursuing a career in earth or natural sciences or a student working to fulfill a science requirement for other majors. The course covers the processes and events that have shaped the earth since its formation 4.5 billion years ago. This course traces the evolution of the earth and life through time. Presents scientific theories of the origin of the earth and life and interprets rock and fossil record.

Entry Level Competencies: There are no prerequisites for entry into this course. However, completing GOL 105 Physical Geology is helpful.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the various methods that are used to approximate the earth’s age and other events in the past.
2. Deduce the geologic history of a region based on the study of rock exposures, surface features, core samples, and other interpretive data.
3. Describe the geologic evolution of the North American continent.
4. Relate the major biological forms to the various geologic periods, noting evolutionary trends.
5. Identify the economic importance of deposits formed during the various geologic periods.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least one (1) of the two (2) exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are two (2) online, closed-book exams in this course.

Last Updated: September 13, 2011