Geology 142 Introduction to Historical Geology introduces basic concepts for measuring geological time by applying stratigraphic principles, paleontology and radioactive decay. The course explores the geological and paleontological record of the Earth, with particular reference to North America and Western Canada. Other topics include adaptation and extinction of life forms as seen in the fossil record, the interaction of geological processes and biological evolution and mechanisms of past global environmental and climate change.
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 20-30 common fossils found in rocks from an assortment of geological periods
- Identify common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
- Explain the formation of common sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures and the minerals and sediment types therein
- Compare relative and absolute geologic time and explain scientific methods used in the determination of each one
- Explain the theory of evolution and how it is supported by observations and data derived from the fossil record
- Describe major geological events and dominant flora and fauna from each geological period
- Describe climatic, environmental and geological factors leading to the Earth’s previous five major mass extinctions
- Capture, interpret and synthesize geological data and observations
- Demonstrate developing critical thinking and research skills in the field of geology
- Communicate research results effectively using discipline specific technical language in the form of written and visual presentations
Teaching and Learning Approach
A new topic will be discussed in each lecture and supported with textbook readings and review questions.
Students are expected to review this material carefully and take detailed notes that will prepare them for lecture
tests. Resources such as weekly assignments, review and videos will be posted on moodle and compliment
lecture curriculum. Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions.
Laboratory sessions will provide an opportunity for students to apply concepts presented in lecture as well as
new content to solve a variety of problems regarding Earth’s history. Assignments will involve the study of rock,
mineral and fossil specimens in the geology lab and will be due at the end of each lab session.Learning Resources
Required:
th
Wicander R, Monroe JS. 2015. Historical Geology; Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time. 8 ed. Boston
(MA): Cengage Learning.
nd
Earle, S. 2019. Physical Geology. 2 ed. BC Campus Open Ed; [accessed September 23, 2019].
https://opentextbc.ca/physicalgeology2ed/
(Free Online Textbook)Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to Historical Geology and the Evolving Earth
2. Plate Tectonics Geologic Time
3. Rocks, Fossils and Time Sedimentary Rocks
4. Evolution
5. Archean Earth and Life Proterozoic Earth and Life
6. Early Paleozoic Geology Late Paleozoic Geology
7. Study Week
8. Paleozoic Invertebrates
9. Paleozoic Vertebrates and Plants
10. Mesozoic Geology of the Cordillera
11. Mesozoic Life Cenozoic Cordillera
12. Cenozoic Life
13. Various Topics in Geology
14. Various Topics in Geology
15. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly Assignments/Quizzes | 3-8 | 30% |
| Laboratory Work | 1, 2, 8 and 9 | 35% |
| Lecture Tests (2) | 3-8 | 35% |
| 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.