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| geol 4 - physical geology (with lab) | Last Updated • February 2, 2013 | |
1289 - GEOL 4, PHYSICAL GEOLOGY with Lab This is a general education class that introduces students to the basic elements of geology. After an analysis of the foundations of the Theory of Plate Tectonics, we will quickly move on to a physical/chemical approach to minerals and rocks, and then to the analysis of the physical environments where these rocks form. The course will include a discussion on geological time and on the interpretation of sedimentary depositional environments. The class consists of two parts: lecture and lab. You need to pass both parts in order to pass the class. The class is accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology. Still, during such an intense, fast-paced session as this 6-weeks Winter course, you will need to pay constant attention to the materials discussed in class and dedicate a considerable amount of time to the class materials. The class pace is intensive (more than four hours a day for four days a week), and you can not afford to be absent or miss work. Absences will not only affect your grade but also your overall grasp and understanding of the subject. As a student, you need to recognize that your college education is above all a matter of opening yourself up to new dimensions of knowledge and understanding. You need to realize that this subject, geology, is intrinsecally interesting, I am here to illustrate and explain it to you, but geology does not need to be made more “interesting” by me. If you enrolled in this class you should be able to move beyond your individual interests and take advantage of the opportunity of having scientific materials illustrated to you. It is you who need to expand your interest and mind, and not the opposite, me trying to fit geology to your interests.
So, I will not try to make this class “more interesting” for you; the class itself is intrinsecally rich of interesting concepts, and should be seen as one tool for you to open up to new ideas, concepts, and possibilities. It will give you more interests and ideas, and consequently it will make you more knowledgeable and interesting as a person.
Lecture: C. C. Plummer and D. H. Carlson, Physical Geology, 12th edition (2008), McGraw Hill.
Both books are required. You can also check these books' details and compare Amazon's prices on this page.
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For the lab part of this class you will also need to buy a 2x2 glass. The glass can be bought at the SMC bookstore for a few dollars. You will need your own, personal glass for lab exercises and tests. You will not be allowed to borrow one during a test. If, at the end of the winter session, you feel that you will not need your glass anymore, please consider donating it to the Department of Earth Science. All other lab materials (magnets, hydrochloric acid bottles, streak plates, etc.) will be provided by the College.