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 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Lab: 2 hours/week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities

This course will be presented using lectures and lab activities that illustrate the practical aspects of the lecture material. A field trip may be required.

Course Description
This is 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

Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  • Describe, identify and classify rocks and minerals;
  • Explain how rocks and minerals form;
  • Place rocks and minerals in the context of the rock cycle;
  • Describe the theory of plate tectonics;
  • Describe how plate tectonics relates to rock forming processes;
  • Describe and identify surface landforms;
  • Explain the relationship between subsurface and surface processes and surface landforms;
  • Describe the relationship between natural processes and natural hazards;
  • Describe the link between natural resources, human activity, and environmental issues.
Means of Assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Evaluation 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 assignments and quizzes: 0-20%

Homework: 0-20%

Projects and/or term paper: 0-20%

Lab assignments: 9-15%

Lab tests (no more than 20% per test): 20-40%

Term tests: 20-30%

Final exam: 30%

Total 100%

Textbook Materials

Consult the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Fletcher, Gibson and Ansdell, Introduction to Physical Geology, Canadian Edition, Wiley Canada.

Which Prerequisite

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