GEO 201 Geology: Rocks and Minerals

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Presents systematic study of the nature and origin of common rocks and minerals with identification techniques applied in laboratory and field trip activities.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the concepts of plate tectonics.
Identify and describe the common rocks and minerals.
Apply descriptive techniques necessary for the recognition and interpretation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock material.
Describe rock formation underground and on the earth’s surface.
Explain hazards associated with geologic processes.
Summarize the economic importance of earth materials.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline
Required text for college credit: Monroe and Wichander; The Changing Earth: Exploring Geology and Evolution

Our Dynamic Earth
- Origin of the Universe and solar system
- Formation of the Earth
- Plate tectonics
  - Explain evidence for the theory of plate tectonics
  - Describe the different types of plate margins
    - Divergent
    - Transform
    - Convergent
  - Describe the formation of hot spots
  - Identify the driving mechanics of plate tectonics
Minerals
- Chemistry review
  - Structure of the atom
  - Atom bonds
- Identify the physical properties of minerals
- Describe mineral classifications and common minerals
- Identify mineral resources in society
Igneous Rock
- The origin of magma
- Solidification of magma
  - Describe Bowen’s reaction series
- Identify various igneous rock textures and predict where throse rocks formed
- Igneous plutons
Volcanoes
- Types of lava
- Types of volcanic eruptions
- Describe the different types of volcanoes
  - Cinder cones
  - Stratovolcanoes
  - Lava domes
- Calderas
- Identify volcanic hazards
Weathering
- Physical weathering
- Chemical weathering
Sedimentary Rocks
- Clastic sedimentary rocks
- Chemical sedimentary rocks
- Biochemical sedimentary rocks
- Sedimentary structures
- Depositional environments
Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
- Controlling actors in metamorphism (heat, pressure, fluids)
- Metamorphic responses (foliation and mineralogical changes)
- Categorize the different kinds of metamorphic rocks
- Distringuish between the different types of metamorphism