The course begins with an examination of the formation of the Earth, composition of the Earth, and the processes of plate tectonics. Students will be introduced to the causes and characteristics of different kinds of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. The interconnection between different disaster phenomenon and options for the possibility of predicting and controlling their occurrence will also be examined. An important focus of this class will be the study of natural disasters throughout history and their effect on human populations. The issue of global climate change in Earth's past and present will also be discussed. This course is designed for non-science students.
205-BZG-05
Physical Geology
3 - 2 - 3
75
Description for Course:
Geology is the study of the Earth. This course introduces students to geology and helps them to develop a sense of observation and to understand the scientific method. This course is an introduction to Earth's dynamic physical character and the processes that shape it: the Earth's internal and external processes. Topics include the structure of the earth, minerals and rocks, weathering, sedimentation, volcanism, metamorphism, deformation, geologic time, geologic hazards, plate tectonics, and the evolution of the landscape. Laboratory includes study of minerals and rocks; landforms as shown on topographical maps; geologic mapping inferred from maps and cross-section diagrams. In addition, a field trip to Mount Royal is planned as an essential component to this course. This course may be taken by students in both Health Science and Pure and Applied Science as a Science option.
