Download PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

Revised 2/93
NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
GOL 105 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4 CR.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduces the composition and structure of the earth and modifying agents and processes. Investigates
the formation of minerals and rocks, weathering, erosion, earthquakes, and crustal deformation. Lecture 3
hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
This is an introductory course in geology that is intended to meet the needs of the student pursuing a
career in earth or natural sciences or a student working to fulfill a science requirement for other majors.
The course deals in a fundamental way with the processes of the distribution on the surface and in the
interior of the earth.
ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES
The student is assumed to have had not other college science courses but posses some proficiency in
high school science and math.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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know on sight several minerals and rocks that commonly occur on the earth’s surface
distinguish the major classes of rocks and explain their origin
understand the various processes of physical and chemical weathering and be able to
recognize them in the field
explain the different agents of erosion and recognize the landforms they leave on the
earth’s surface
write an essay on one of the major theories of the cause of glaciation
distinguish the major categories of faults and folds that define the earth’s surface and
interior
diagram the earth’s interior zones and discuss the mineral and rock composition of each
zone
list the most common elements found in sea water and describe the tridal and wave
motion of sea water
explain how oil and coal are formed, where they are, and how they are extracted
understand the theories of continental drift, sea floor spreading, and plate tectonics and
the relationships between them
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MAJOR TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED
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Earth materials (minerals, rocks)
Weathering
Mass wasting
Streams
Groundwater
Deserts
Glaciers
Oceans and shorelines
Earthquakes
Structure of continents
Continental drift, sea floor spreading, plate tectonics
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