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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Earth History is
a
survey of the major events in the history of life, from the origin of life 4
billion years ago to the wave of extinctions that has decimated animals around
the globe over the past 30,000 years. This course deals
with both the physical evolution of our planet and the evolution of life on
Earth. One of the purposes of historical geology is to place the events of
Earth’s history into the proper chronological order.
The concepts of time, organic evolution, and plate tectonics are fundamental themes used to unravel Earth history. In this context Earth paleoenvironments are reconstructed into a workable Earth history. Other topics that will be covered are interpretation of geologic maps; correlation of rock units; sedimentary environments; the taxonomy, morphology, and evolution of fossil organism groups; paleoecology; paleogeography; and paleoclimatology.
The practical application of concepts and
methods in historical geology will also be studied, particularly in reference to
mineral resources from Earth. Where possible, local geology will be integrated
into the course. This course is designed to prepare students for further study
in geology (those considering majoring in geology), as well as provide an
introductory background in Earth history for students majoring in other fields.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To increase the ability of the student to think critically.
2. To learn and practice the scientific method of investigation of a problem
or idea.
3. To appreciate and practice experimentation and observation and their
importance in scientific investigations.
4. To learn how to collect accurate scientific data and the importance of
accurate data collecting techniques.
5. To study the origin of Earth and its development through time.
6. To understand past Earth processes and rates of change and how the same
processes and rates of change may affect the future.
7. To understand and appreciate how a knowledge of Earth history can be used
to locate Earth resources and more fully understand (and perhaps prevent)
geologic hazards and environmental problems.
TOPICS TO BE STUDIED AND HOW COURSE OBJECTIVES WILL BE MET:
Course objectives will be met by lecture material designed to stress
development of critical thinking skills and practice of scientific methodology.
Topics covered in the course will include the following: history of geology,
relative and absolute dating, radiometric dating techniques, sedimentary
depositional environments, paleoenvironmental analysis, plate tectonics, organic
evolution, correlation of rock units, paleoecology, paleogeography,
paleoclimatology, history of the solar system, and Earth history stressing
physical and organic evolution.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance to all classes is highly recommended. Class attendance is essential to success in this course. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing the facts and numbers. Use the online resources, quizzes and other materials provided by the textbook manufacturer. If you do miss a class it is your responsibility to cover the material, find out about class announcements, etc. Material that is covered in lecture is not always readily obtained by just reading the text. Because of the nature of the course, excessive absences may result in a lower grade.
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TESTS! Preparing make-up material for
tests is very time consuming for the instructor. Make-up will be allowed for
valid excuses, such as severe illness, death in the family, or excused
university sponsored events. The student must make arrangements with the
instructor before missing or immediately upon returning to class to arrange for
a make-up exam, otherwise the grade for the missed exam will be recorded as a
zero. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS POLICY LIGHTLY.
TESTING: There will be two midterm exams (in addition to the final exam) during the semester. The final exam will be partially comprehensive. In addition to the major exams, there will be three pop quizzes to test reading of the text and comprehension of lecture material. There will be two home assignments as well. Following is a breakdown of the basis for the final course grade:
NOTE: THE INSTRUCTOR MAY MODIFY ANY OF THE ABOVE IN ORDER TO BETTER SERVE
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT, AND THE UNIVERSITY!
