General Information

• Name: Physical Geology
• Discipline: Geology (GEOL)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Science, Mathematics & Engineering

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

• Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Covers fundamental principles of geology: tectonics; minerals; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes; and geologic time.

II: Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the successful student will have:

• Gained factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends) about Physical Geology.
• Learned fundamental principles, generalizations or theories of Physical Geology.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

General Education: The mission of general education at WNC is to provide students who complete degrees and certificates of achievement with critical life skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional endeavors. GEOL 101: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY addresses the general education student learning outcome: •understand the methods of science and the role of science and technology in the modern world. Program-AS Geosciences: GEOL 101 fills a degree requirement for the Associate of Science with Geoscience emphasis. The mission of the Associate of Science-Geoscience emphasis is to provide a strong foundation in earth and physical sciences, and prepare students for transfer into many disciplines, including geology, geography, environmental science, and science teaching. GEOL 101 addresses the program student learning outcome: •have gained a basic understanding of: physical processes operating on and within the Earth, including plate tectonics and formation of rocks and minerals; common rocks and minerals identification.