Introduction to Earth Sciences

Curriculum guideline

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Course
EAES 1120
Discontinued
No
Course code
EAES 1120
Descriptive
Introduction to Earth Sciences
Department
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
35
Contact hours
2 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

2 hours per week lectures.

2 hours per week lab.

A field trip may be required.

Course description
An introductory course focusing on physical geology. Topics include minerals, rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanic activity, Earth resources, and the many processes that have shaped the Earth. The course includes practical hands-on labs. A field trip may be required.
Course content
  • Earth Science: Atmosphere/Biosphere/Hydrosphere/Lithosphere, rock cycle, earth time, scientific theory, uniformitarianism, earth science and society, careers.
  • Minerals: Composition, crystal structure, physical properties, classification and identification.
  • Igneous Rocks: Composition, texture, classification, identification, formation, intrusive and extrusive activity (volcanoes) and structures.
  • Sedimentary Rocks: Composition, texture, classification, identification, formation, weathering and erosion, soils, sedimentary processes and structures, depositional environments and erosional/transport agents.
  • Metamorphic Rocks: Composition, texture, classification, identification, formation, agents of change.
  • Interior of the Earth: Structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes, composition and structure of oceanic and continental crust, structural deformation.
  • Surface of the Earth: Mass wasting, running water, ground water, glaciation, wind, deserts, shorelines and nearshore environments, ocean floor.
  • Resources and the Environment: Minerals, fossil fuels, groundwater, global environmental issues.

 

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing EAES 1120, a student will be able to:

  • Describe, identify and classify rocks and minerals, explain their formation, and place them in the context of the rock cycle.
  • Describe the theory of plate tectonics and how plate tectonics relates to rock forming processes.
  • Describe and identify surface landforms and explain the relationship between subsurface and surface processes and surface landforms.
  • Demonstrate the relationship between natural processes and "hazards".
  • Describe the link between natural resources, human activity and environmental issues. 

 

Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Lecture and lab assignments, projects, homework: 10-30%

Lab exams, quizzes: 20-40%

Midterm exam: 20-25%

Final exam: 30%

Textbook materials

Students should consult the bookstore for the latest required course materials, including the textbook.

Tarbuck, E. J., Lutgens, F. K., Tsujita, C. J. and Hicock, S. R., Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, Pearson, latest Canadian edition. Or an equivalent text.

Equivalencies

GEOL 1120

Which prerequisite

EAES 1500, 2320, 2340, 2400, 2550, 2851