GEOL 132 Physical Geology, earth's origin, composition, structure and natural resources. Global and local examples of plate tectonics as the driving force for volcanism, mountain building and earthquakes. Imaging Earth's interior and exploring its dynamic interaction with the surface. Introduction to rock and mineral identification. Surficial processes such as weathering, erosion and mass wasting and their relationship to the rock cycle.
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the 20-30 common rock forming and ore-bearing minerals
- Identify the most common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
- Describe the three types of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent and transform) and explain the distribution of mountain ranges, earthquakes and volcanoes in conjunction with these boundaries
- Understand the processes of erosion (gravity, wind, water and ice) that transport the products of mountain building into sedimentary basins
- Understand the controls and occurrences of some of the most destructive geological hazards including earthquakes, tsunami and landslides
- Develop critical thinking skills by being able to apply scientific methods in capturing data, interpreting data and problem solving
- Develop methods of scientific research and demonstrate communication of data and interpretations in written and visual presentations
- Utilize teamwork in data acquisition, observations and results
Teaching and Learning Approach
The course provides a broad introduction to physical geology and is intended as a foundation for future study in
the geosciences, or as a science elective for students in other programs. In addition it is a stimulating general
interest course that will provide students with a deeper understanding of the natural environment. Lectures will
cover a broad scope of topics in geology; including mineralogy, weathering, sedimentary rocks, metamorphism,
economic geology, structural geology, volcanoes, plate tectonics, landslides and earthquakes. In laboratory
sessions students will practice identifying common rocks and minerals, reading and interpreting topographic and
geologic maps, and analyzing geological features using scientific methods.Learning Resources
Required:
nd
Earle Steven Physical Geology (2019). Physical Geology (2 ed) . https://opentextbc.ca/physicalgeology2ed/
This is an excellent, free, online textbook written by Steven Earle of VIU and reviewed by geoscience professors
from all over British Columbia, including your very own geology instructor here at Selkirk!
Recommended:
th
Plummer, C. C., Carlson, D. and Hammersley, L. (2015). Physical Geology, (15 ed.). McGraw-Hill.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Course Orientation. Familiarization with course resources, assignments and expectations.
2. Lecture: Atoms Elements and Minerals, and Earth System Part 1 Lab: Properties of Minerals
3. Lecture: Earth System Part 2, and Plate Tectonics Part 1 Lab: Mineral ID (Rock Forming Minerals)
4. Lecture: Plate Tectonics Part 2 Lab: Mineral ID (Ore Forming Minerals)
5. Lecture: Intrusive Igneous Rocks
6. Lecture: Extrusive Igneous Rocks
7. Lecture: Metamorphic Rocks, and Weathering and Soil Lab: Igneous Rocks
8. Lecture: Mass Wasting, and Sedimentary Rocks Lab: Metamorphic Rocks
9. Sedimentary Rocks and Structural Geology Lab: Sedimentary Rocks
10. Lecture: Mineral Deposits
11. Lecture: The Seafloor, and Structural Geology
12. Lecture: Earthquakes, and Tectonics of B.C. Lab: San Andreas Fault
13. Review
14. Review
15. ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Lecture Assignments | 3, 4 and 5 | 15% |
| Laboratory | 1, 2, 6 and 8 | 35% |
| Term Project | 7 and 8 | 15% |
| Midterm Exam | 3, 4, 5 and 6 | 15% |
| Final Exam | All | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.