GEOL 302

Physical Geology

This in-depth course provides an understanding of the dynamic nature of Earth through the study of earth processes including plate tectonics, the major rock types and the minerals that comprise them, volcanoes, earthquakes and Earth's interior, crustal deformation and mountain building, fossils and deep time, energy and mineral resources, surface water and groundwater, oceans and coasts, glaciers, deserts, and global change. The course uses real-world examples of the scientific method as a foundation for understanding the geological sciences and focuses on the relevance of geology to our everyday lives. At least one field trip (for example to Cache Creek Canyon or Point Reyes National Seashore) or an appropriate alternative activity will be required as an introduction to geological environments and field methods in geology. (C-ID GEOL 101)

Units: 4.0

Hours: 54 hours LEC ; 54 hours LAB