G 203 Historical Geology

Introduces Earth history through the rock and fossil record. Includes topics such as fossils, stratigraphy, geologic time, and biological and geological events in Earth's history. Laboratory component highlights rocks, fossils, and geologic maps. Suitable for geology majors and non-majors. Geology courses do not need to be taken in sequence.

Credits

Prerequisite

MTH 075 or MTH 098 with a grade of C or better, or equivalent.

Notes

Lower Division Transfer (LDT) Course

General Education Requirements

AGS Math/Science, AS Physical Science, AAOT Science/Math Lab Course

Outcomes

Place key events in the history of Earth and life on the geologic time scale. Compare and contrast radiometric dating of igneous rocks with relative dating of sedimentary rocks. Explain how fossils form, and use fossils to recognize the changing diversity represented by the different geological eras. Use data to analyze geological changes to lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, and how these changes have impacted the biosphere over geologic time. Describe the importance of biodiversity to society, and use past mass extinctions to evaluate current threats to present-day biodiversity.