I. Course Title: Earth Science and Society (GE)
II. Course Number: GEOL 120
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
This course examines the effects of geologic processes and hazards on human activities, the appraisal of human impact on the natural physical environment, and the geologic occurrence, availability and use of mineral and energy resources.
Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course. Students cannot receive credit for both GEOL 120 and GEOL 100.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This course gives students an overview of environmental geology, the branch of geology that deals with human interaction with the natural physical environment. The scope of environmental geology encompasses the recognition and amelioration of three major problems that face humans. The first is naturally occurring geologic processes and hazards such as flooding, mass wasting, volcanic activity, earthquakes, coastal erosion, and health as it relates to the geologic setting. The second deals with human-induced environmental problems such as pollution and climate change, as it applies to natural materials and existing topography. The third involves location, use, and conservation of geologic resources such as water, soil, minerals, and energy as well as land-use planning.
Topics addressed in this course include, but are not limited to:
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Lectures, demonstrations, case histories, audio/video presentations, classroom discussions, and reading assignments will be used.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment may include lecture exams, quizzes, written assignments, homework and class participation.
Review and Approval
August 2020
March 01, 2021