GEOL 104 CIC Approval: 04/27/2006 BOT APPROVAL: STATE APPROVAL: EFFECTIVE TERM: SECTION I SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT CITY, MESA, AND MIRAMAR COLLEGES ASSOCIATE DEGREE COURSE OUTLINE SUBJECT AREA AND COURSE NUMBER: Geology 104 COURSE TITLE: Earth Science Units: 3 Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course investigates Earth's major physical systems, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, as well as Earth's place in the solar system. As such, this course provides a brief synthesis of pertinent topics in geology, physical geography, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. It is intended for those with a general interest in the Earth sciences and those wishing to satisfy requirements for a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. REQUISITES: Advisory: ENGL 049 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level W5 & ENGL 048 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level R5 FIELD TRIP REQUIREMENTS: May be required TRANSFER APPLICABILITY: Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU CSU General Education IGETC UC Transfer Course List TOTAL LECTURE HOURS: 48-54 TOTAL LAB HOURS: STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to: 1. Describe the scientific method; distinguish scientific observations, hypotheses, theories, and laws. 2. Analyze Earth's origin and early evolution in terms of the nebular hypothesis; contrast Earth's compositional layers (e.g., core, mantle, crust) and Earth's mechanical/behavioral layers (e.g., lithosphere, asthenosphere). 3. Summarize the theory of plate tectonics, including supporting lines of evidence, and discuss the principal types of plate boundaries and their characteristic geologic features. 4. Summarize the defining characteristics of a mineral; differentiate igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in terms of their origin; analyze rock textures in terms of the physical processes controlling their development; explain the rock cycle. 5. Assess the various surficial processes (e.g., weathering, mass movement, surface water/groundwater processes, glaciation, aeolian processes) shaping Earth's landscapes. 6. Appraise the causes and worldwide distribution of earthquakes in terms of plate tectonic theory; explain how seismic wave analysis contributes to our knowledge of Earth's interior. 7. Distinguish between relative and absolute dating methods; describe general changes observed in the Status: Active page 1 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018
fossil record between Precambrian time and between the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras. 8. Distinguish various ocean floor features, including continental margin, mid-ocean ridge, and deep-ocean basin features. 9. Analyze changes in the various physical and chemical properties of sea water in terms of latitude and depth. 10. Assess the broad characteristics of global oceanic circulation; analyze the origin of ocean waves and tides in terms of force and energy flow; differentiate erosional and depositional shoreline features. 11. Describe the overall structure and composition of Earth's atmosphere; analyze various atmospheric processes and circulation patterns in terms of force and energy flow; compare and contrast tropical and extra-tropical cyclonic weather systems. 12. Contrast the Ptolemaic and Copernican models of the Solar System; describe the contributions of Newton and Galileo to modern astronomy. 13. Explain the apparent motions of the sun and moon, lunar and solar eclipses, and seasonal changes in terms of planetary motions in space. 14. Assess the ways in which Earth differs from other planets in the solar system; relate these differences to Earth's physical and biological evolution. 15. Discuss the origin of the universe in terms of the big bang model; analyze the major physical components of the universe in an organized, hierarchical manner. SECTION II 1. COURSE OUTLINE AND SCOPE: A. Outline Of Topics: The following topics are included in the framework of the course but are not intended as limits on content. The order of presentation and relative emphasis will vary with each instructor. I. The Scope and Substance of Earth Science A. Earth science and the scientific method II. The Solid Earth A. Earth's formation and early evolution 1. accretion 2. differentiation 3. origin of early ocean and atmosphere B. Earth layers 1. compositional layers a. crust b. mantle c. outer core d. inner core 2. mechanical/behavioral layers a. lithosphere b. asthenosphere C. Plate tectonics 1. continental drift hypothesis 2. modern plate tectonic theory a. convergent boundaries b. divergent boundaries c. transform boundaries d. supporting evidence e. driving mechanisms D. Minerals 1. definition 2. the silicate tetrahedron 3. silicate mineral classes 4. mineral properties 5. important rock forming minerals E. Rocks 1. igneous Status: Active page 2 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018
a. intrusive b. extrusive 2. weathering a. mechanical b. chemical 3. sedimentary a. detrital b. chemical 4. metamorphic a. foliated b. non-foliated 5. the rock cycle F. Surfical processes 1. mass movement 2. fluvial/groundwater processes 3. glaciation 4. aeolian processes G. Earthquakes 1. causes 3. worldwide distribution 4. earthquakes and earth's interior H. Geologic time 1. relative dating methods 2. absolute dating methods 3. the fossil record 4. the geologic timescale III. The Oceans A. Seafloor features 1. continental margins 2. mid-ocean ridges 3. deep-ocean basins B. Seawater properties 1. physical a. temperature b. density 2. chemical a. the water molecule b. salinity c. nutrients d. dissolved gases C. Oceanic circulation 1. gyres 2. upwelling and downwelling 3. thermohaline circulation D. Waves 1. wind waves 2. seiches 3. tsunamis E. Tides 1. influencing forces 2. tidal patterns F. Shoreline features 1. erosional 2. depositional IV. The Atmosphere A. Structure 1. troposphere 2. stratosphere B. Composition Status: Active page 3 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018
B. 1. major components 2. variable components C. Temperature 1. definition 3. temperature vs. heat 4. global/regional variations D. Pressure 1. definition 3. global/regional variations E. Moisture 1. capacity vs. content 3. global/regional variations F. Atmospheric circulation and wind 1. global air circulation 2. regional/local winds G. Weather patterns and storms 1. weather vs. climate 2. mid-latitude cyclones 3. hurricanes V. Astronomy A. Celestial Mechanics 1. geocentric vs. heliocentric models 2. Kepler's laws 3. Galileo and Newton B. Earth motions 1. rotation 2. revolution 3. other motions C. Motions of Earth-Moon system 1. lunar phases 2. lunar motions 3. eclipses D. Origin and evolution of the solar system 1. nebular hypothesis 2. planetary characteristics a. terrestrial planets b. jovian planets 3. Earth's moon 4. asteroid belt 5. comets E. Origin and overall structure of the Cosmos 1. big bang theory 2. distribution of matter a. galaxies b. nebulae and stars c. solar systems Reading Assignments: Reading assignments are required and may include but, are not limited to, the following: I. Textual material relating to topics in geology, oceanography, physical geography, meteorology, or astronomy. II. Readings in periodicals and journals as assigned, e.g., California Geology, Scientific American, Science News, Science, New Scientist. C. Appropriate Assignments that Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Critical thinking assignments are required and may include, but are not limited to, the following: Status: Active page 4 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018
D. E. I. Critical essays that evaluate the application of basic Earth Science principles. II. Analysis of various scientific theories. III. Compare and contrast the origin of planetary and astronomical features in terms of the basic physical processes controlling their development. Appropriate Outside Assignments: Outside assignments may include, but are not limited to, the following: I. Library review assignments. II. Internet search assignments. III. Visits to San Diego Natural History Museum. IV. Visits to local sites of Earth Science interest. Writing Assignments: Writing assignments are required and may include, but are not limited to, the following: I. Essays on important Earth Science topics II. Summaries of assigned readings; short papers or journals covering contemporary Earth Science issues. III. Written reports applying Earth Science principles applicable to particular topics, situations, or events. 2. METHODS OF EVALUATION: A student's grade will be based on multiple measures of performance unless the course requires no grade. Multiple measures may include, but are not limited to, the following: I. Midterms II. Final exams III. Chapter quizzes IV. Essays V. Reports VI. Summaries VII. Class participation VIII. Independent projects IX. Group collaboration projects X. Textbook questions assigned as homework 3. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: Methods of instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following: * Distance Education * Computer Assisted Instruction * Lecture Discussion * Audio-Visual * Collaborative Learning * Lecture * Other (Specify) * In-class exercises, possible local field trips, and guest lectures. 4. REQUIRED TEXTS AND SUPPLIES: Textbooks may include, but are not limited to: TEXTBOOKS: 1. Edward J. Tarbuck and Frederick K. Lutgens. Earth Science, 10th ed. Pearson Education, Inc., 2003, Status: Active page 5 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018
ISBN: 0130354430 2. Frederick K. Lutgens and Edward J. Tarbuck. Foundations of Earth Science, 4th ed. ed. Pearson Education, Inc., 2005, ISBN: 0131447505 MANUALS: PERIODICALS: SOFTWARE: SUPPLIES: ORIGINATOR: Curricunet Version 2 CO-CONTRIBUTOR(S) Rose LaMuraglia DATE: 01/06/2006 Status: Active page 6 of 6 Date Printed: 05/11/2018