COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the major events in the evolution of the Earth’s crust and biosphere through time and the techniques used to reconstruct this history. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method, how sedimentary rocks are used to reconstruct past environments, determining the ages of rocks and fossils, the role of plate tectonics in shaping the Earth and explaining the distribution of rocks on Earth, the geologic history of the world’s major mountain ranges, biologic evolution, and the history of life. This course includes laboratory experience.

REQUISITES FOR THE COURSE
(pre-requisite or co-requisite) Physical Geology GEY 111
Or instructors approval

CCC-System Course Description (copied in verbatim)

Studies the physical and biological development of the earth through the vast span of geologic time. Emphasizes the investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, the record of ancient environments, fossil lifeforms, and physical events, all within the framework of shifting crustal plates. Course includes laboratory experience.

This course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed Transfer courses. GT-SC1

CCC-System Common Courses Student Outcomes (copied directly from ccc system –including miss spelling)

Competencies View:

1. Reconstruct paleo-environments from the analysis of sedimentary rocks and structures.
2. Discuss the origin of fossils, recognize the major fossil groups, and describe their use as indicators of relative age and ancient environments.
3. Discuss the theory of evolution and correlate major events in the history of life with the geologic events of the associated eras/periods.
4. Compare methods of absolute and relative age determinations and relate them to the geologic time scale.
5. Interpret and correlate geologic events by means of stratigraphic analysis, including the use of geologic maps and stratigraphic sections.
6. Contrast and compare theories on the origins of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
7. Delineate major North American geologic events and relate them to plate tectonics throughout the pre-cambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
8. Read, analyze and apply written material to new situations.
9. Write and speak clearly and ligically in presentatins and essays.
10. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.

CCC-System Course Outline (copied in verbatim)

1. Introduction to Historical Geology
   1. Scientific Method
   2. The Concept of Geological Time
   3. The Dynamic Earth
2. Reading Earth History from Sedimentary Rocks
   1. Modern Sediments and Ancient Sedimentary Rocks
   2. Modern and Ancient Depositional Environments
3. Fossils and Fossilization
   1. The Importance of Fossils
   2. Methods of Preservation
   3. Fossil Identification
4. Evolution
   1. Faunal and Floral Succession
   2. Evidence of Evolution
   3. Theories of Extinctions
5. Geological Time
   1. Relative Age Dating Techniques
   2. Absolute Age Dating Techniques
   3. The Geological Time Scale
6. The History of Geologic Thought
   1. The origin of the earth
   2. The age of the earth
   3. The organization of the rock record
7. Stratigraphy
   1. Sratigraphic Units
   2. Horizontal and Vertical Relationships
   3. Principles of Correlation
8. Origins
   1. Lithosphere
   2. Hydrosphere
   3. Atmosphere
9. Precambrian
   1. Development of the Continents
   2. Development of the Atmosphere
   3. Precambrian Life
10. Paleozoic
    1. Plate Tectonics and Earth History
    2. Paleozoic Life
    3. Extinctions
11. Mesozoic
    1. Plate Tectonics and Earth History
    2. Paleozoic Life
    3. The Cretaceous Extinctions
12. Cenozoic
    1. Plate Tectonics and Earth History
    2. Cenozoic Life
13. Pleistocene and Holocene
    1. Evidence for the Ice Age
    2. History of the Ice Age
    3. Climatic Change
    4. Development of Homo Sapiens