Download Geol 1401-Introduction to Earth Science

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT
DISTRICT MASTER SYLLABUS
At Tarrant County College the District master syllabus documents the content of a course. A
District master syllabus is required for every course offered. District master syllabi are
prepared by teams of faculty and approved by instructional administration.
COURSE RUBRIC, NUMBER, TITLE, AND DESCRIPTION
GEOL 1401 Earth Sciences I
Survey of physical and historical geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and related
sciences.
Co-requisite: GEOL 1401L
COURSE TYPE Academic Core
COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Course goals are linked to required Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies, Perspectives,
and Exemplary Educational Objectives as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board. Specific core requirements are linked to the class schedule.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate abilities necessary to understand scientific inquiry in the earth sciences. The
student will be able to
a. identify questions and problems in the earth sciences that can be answered through
scientific investigations;
b. identify scientific investigations that answer questions related to earth science;
c. apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies;
d. analyze reports of scientific investigations and environmental issues from an informed,
scientifically literate viewpoint;
e. evaluate a range of possible solutions to earth issues at the local, national, and global
level.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of lithospheric materials, tectonic processes, and the human
and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced changes in the lithosphere. The
student will be able to
a. analyze the properties of minerals;
b. analyze the historical development of the theory of plate tectonics and plate tectonic
relationship to earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building;
c. identify the processes responsible for the rock cycle;
d. analyze seismic waves, their cause and affect, including velocity and refraction;
e. interpret topographic maps using scale and legends;
f. identify the importance and impact of the economic development of earth's finite rock,
mineral, soil, fossil fuel, and other natural resources to society and our daily lives.
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3. Demonstrate an understanding of the origin and evolution of the earth system. The student
will be able to
a. explain the order of events in the geologic past;
b. interpret the impact of events in the geologic past.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the hydrosphere and its interactions and influences on the
lithosphere, the atmosphere, and environmental quality. The student will be able to
a. analyze erosion and depositional processes;
b. comprehend the oceans and features of our "Blue Planet," including the techniques used
to learn more about the ocean floor;
c. describe the features and processes associated with both passive and active continental
margins relating to ocean topographic units;
d. describe how each of the three broad categories of seafloor sediments originates and the
association between seafloor sediments and climate change;
e. list several resources obtained from the ocean and the seafloor;
f. explain the physical, chemical, and density variations that define the ocean water's
layered structure;
g. explain the development and importance of ocean currents;
h. identify the movement of water in the open ocean and coastal zone, including wave
characteristics and types;
i. identify the process of ground water movement and environmental impact of
contamination.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics and composition of the atmosphere and its
local and global processes influencing climate and air quality. The student will be able to
a. identify air masses, planetary wind belts, frontal systems, cyclonic systems, and the life
cycle of weather systems;
b. identify meteorological observations, analysis, and prediction and how they apply to
worldwide observing systems;
c. identify the depiction of meteorological data;
d. identify global atmospheric changes including changes in CO2, CH4, and stratospheric
O3, and the consequences and interactions related to climate change, weather patterns,
increasing ultraviolet radiation, and sea level changes.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the earth in the solar system and its position in the universe.
The student will be able to
a. identify the theories of the formation of the universe and solar system;
b. identify planetary motion and the physical laws that explain that motion, including
rotation, revolution, diurnal motions of the stars, sun, and moon, and the effects of the tilt
of the Earth’s axis;
c. describe how the field of spectroscopy and light spectra can be used to investigate the
properties of stars;
d. identify the spectra generated by stars and our sun as indicators of motion and
composition (the Doppler Effect);
e. identify the properties and characteristics of our sun, including the source of the sun's
energy.
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COURSE ASSESSMENT
Student success is measured by assessment techniques aligned to course goals and learning
outcomes. Lecture and laboratory exams will be administered, counting a set percentage in final
grade determination. Assessment may also include quizzes, assignments or other items. Lecture
instructors will assess and evaluate students based on standards agreed upon between the
instructor and department. Laboratory evaluation includes practical exams, assignments and
exercises. Individual faculty members are responsible for designing evaluation instruments to
measure student mastery of course goals and learning outcomes and for indicating the nature of
such instruments in the instructor’s class requirements.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Students are responsible for adhering to the TCCD policy on scholastic dishonesty as stated in
the online student handbook at www.tccd.edu.
RESOURCES
For additional information regarding the student handbook, academic calendar, course
evaluations, attendance policy, SCANS skills, Core Competencies, etc., see www.tccd.edu.
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