PHSC 120 - Principles of Geology

3 Credits: (2 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the various branches of geology for Liberal Arts students. Topics include rock formation, geologic time, weathering, erosion, river systems, ground water, glaciation, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanism. Laboratory exercises include the study of minerals, rocks, topographic maps, and geologic maps. Emphasis is on rock types, features of the landscape, and the processes which have shaped Western Pennsylvania.  This course meets the General Education competency of Scientific Reasoning (SR).

Text
Reynolds, S. J. & Johnson, J. K. (2022). Exploring geology (6th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Jones, C. & Norris, J. (2013). Laboratory manual for physical geology (8th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Describe the large-scale features of the earth’s surface, such as mountain ranges, continents, ocean basins, deserts, etc.

B. Identify common rocks and minerals through laboratory and field experience.

C. Describe the mechanisms and consequences of volcanic activity, crustal deformation, and mountain building.

D. Describe the present theory of Plate Tectonics and its utilization in the interpretation of a dynamic earth, e.g., volcanic activity, earthquakes.

E. Describe the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition.

F. Describe the physical processes of glaciation as they relate to the surface features of northwestern Pennsylvania.

G. Describe the geologic time scale and the methods used in dating rocks and geologic events.

H. Describe changes in topographic features during geologic time, with special emphasis on the Pennsylvania Period.

I. Apply the scientific method. (SR)

J. Utilize basic laboratory equipment appropriate to the discipline. (SR)

Content
The size and shape, interior structure, magnetic field, and large scale surface features of the earth’s atomic structure; minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geologic time; the rock record; the standard geologic column; the processes of volcanism; earthquakes; crustal deformation and mountain building; plate tectonics model; surface processes of weathering; erosion, ground water, and wind; glaciers and glacial processes; and the place of the earth in the universe.

Student Evaluation
Objective A: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective B: Laboratory exercises.

Objective C: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective D: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective E: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective F: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective G: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective H: Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.

Objective I: Laboratory exercises.

Objective J: Laboratory exercises.