Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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GEOL 107 - Fossils and Ancient Earth

Credits: 5
Introduces fossil animals, examines how life changed over geologic time, and discusses how dramatic changes in climates and other environmental conditions have impacted life on our planet. Topics covered include: how Earth formed and the first life evolved; how fossil and rocks form; patterns of extinction and evolution; and how fossils are used to reconstruct ancient geographic and environmental patterns.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101 .

Satisfies Requirement: Natural Science or Lab Science

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the Scientific Method and the basic terminology, principles, concepts, and theories of geology and biology, as they apply to the study of paleontology and ancient Earth environments.
  2. Apply critical thinking, observations, and problem solving skills (in class) to accurately describe samples of fossil and modern organisms, and to use these observations to make and support interpretations linked to the information presented in the class.
  3. Illustrate a scientific understanding of the methods used to find and reconstruct fossils and their environments and of basic related scientific theories, such as evolution.
  4. Examine the ways in which geologic processes affected the history of life and the ways in which the evolution of life affected geologic processes.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with peers in scientifically describing samples and supporting interpretations.

Program Outcomes
  1. Produce written interpretations of earth science materials.
  2. Make geological inferences from newly presented materials.


College-wide Outcomes
  • Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.



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