In this class, the students learn about the Earth.  They learn about geologic processes and how these affect the shape of the Earth's surface.   Students learn some tools and techniques of geologists including how  to identify rocks and minerals, interpret topographic maps, and use aerial photographs.

Topics covered include rocks and minerals, volcanoes, weathering processes, stream processes, glacier land forms, groundwater behavior, deformation of rocks and the resulting structures, coastal processes, and plate tectonics.

There are laboratory experiences associated with this class to give students hands-on experience with minerals, rocks, map techniques, and other geologic tools.  There is usually a field trip required of the students in my class.

Textbook:  Physical Geology by J.S. Monroe and R. Wicander

Syllabus