Introduction to Earth Science Syllabus

Course Description

In this course, you will study the processes that shape and form the Earth. You will learn about how the Earth is an integrated system and how changes in any aspect of the atmosphere, oceans, or on land effect all other areas.  The emphasis will be on the scientific method and how the systematic study of processes illustrates the interrelationships between the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land.

Course Learning Objectives

I. Geology

• Demonstrate an understanding of the physical structure and morphology of the earth and operation of earth systems due to plate tectonics.
• Identify and classify earth materials and demonstrate an understanding of their chemical makeup.
• Assess and evaluate the impact of natural processes such as earthquakes and volcanism on the human environment.

II. Oceanography

• Demonstrate how plate tectonics shapes the continental margin, the oceanic basin and its sediments.
• Explain the directions and causes of atmospheric and oceanic cirucluation patterns, waves and tides and assess their impact on the coastal environment

III. Meteorology

• Identify and distinguish the elements and controls of weather and climate as well as the influence that each has on seasonality, atmospheric disturbances, world climate and pollution.

IV. Astronomy

• Demonstrate an understanding of the formation, evolution and interactions of bodies within the solar system

Student Learning Objectives

By the completion of the course, students should be able to:

Analyze and apply the scientific method to geologic problems, which will result in reasonable and logical conclusions.

 Assess and evaluate the impact of natural processes such as earthquakes and volcanism on the human environment.

Course Textbook

You will be utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) for this class. There is only a $5 materials fee which you paid when you registered for the course. There is no additional textbook cost.

Course Syllabus

Read over the course syllabus very carefully as you are responsible for all that is included within the syllabus. Addendum to the syllabus.