Course ePortfolio

Physical Geology

This collection contains the California Open Educational Resources Council (CA OER) list of peer-reviewed textbooks for Physical Geography (common course-id GEOL 100), one of the top 50 college courses identified for inclusion in the California Open Online Library for Education (COOLforEd).

C-ID Number: GEOL 100

General Course Description: GEOL 100

An introduction to the principles of geology with emphasis on Earth processes. This course focuses on the internal structure and origin of the Earth and the processes that change and shape it.

Minimum Units: 3.0

Date Added to MERLOT:

January 30, 2018

Created by:

Beraki Woldehaimanot

License:

Derived from

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: None

Corequisites: None

Advisories/Recommendations: None

Pedagogical Approach & Learning Outcomes

Pedagogical Approach

None

Learning Outcomes

Explain the scientific method.
Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, and interactions of Earth’s systems applicable to the Geological Sciences.
Apply understanding of the internal and external processes that shape and form the Earth.
Demonstrate an understanding of the rock cycle and identify and describe the basic properties of rocks and minerals.
Demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonics and Earth’s resources.
Demonstrate an understanding of how geological environments are formed, changed and eroded through geological time.
Communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions in life.

Assessment & Other Information

Assessment

Shall include multiple measures of performance that may include, but are not limited to:

• Quizzes
• Exams
• Written Assignments
• Research Assignments

Other Information

None

Course Resources

Minerals and Rocks (Open (Access) Textbook)

The first version of this text was written to serve as lecture notes for a first term geology course in “Minerals and... More

The first version of this text was written to serve as lecture notes for a first term geology course in “Minerals and Rocks” at Aarhus University in Denmark in 2003. In Aarhus this course is accompanied by a general “Introduction to Geology” course that presents, for example, the structure of the Earth, plate tectonics and paleontology. These topics are therefore not treated here, and some knowledge of the Earth´s structure and plate tectonics is assumed. After a brief introduction to the Rock Cycle, this text presents the physical properties of minerals and an introduction to crystallography. The most important rock-forming minerals are then dealt with in a systematic way, followed by the three main rock groups – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. A lecture course in Minerals and Rocks must be accompanied by a parallel sequence of practical classes where, for example, crystal structures, minerals and rock types dealt with in theory are demonstrated in practice
The Environment of the Earth's Surface (Online Course)

A great variety of processes affect the surface of the Earth. Topics to be covered are production and movement of... More

A great variety of processes affect the surface of the Earth. Topics to be covered are production and movement of surficial materials; soils and soil erosion; precipitation; streams and lakes; groundwater flow; glaciers and their deposits. The course combines aspects of geology, climatology, hydrology, and soil science to present a coherent introduction to the surface of the Earth, with emphasis on both fundamental concepts and practical applications, as a basis for understanding and intelligent management of the physical and chemical environment of Earth.