GEOL 117 - Natural Disasters with Lab

Credits: 5
An in-depth examination of the science behind natural disasters. Examines the causes and impacts of natural disasters, including: volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, floods, global climate change, and meteorite impacts. Presents case studies with emphasis on the relative risks and mitigation strategies used in the Pacific Northwest.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL& 101. Recommended: Eligible for MATH 97.

Satisfies Requirement: Natural Science or Lab Science
Course Fee: $20.00

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

Describe and explain the Scientific Method and the basic terminology, principles, concepts, and theories of geology as they apply to natural disasters.
Apply critical thinking, observations, and problem solving skills (in class and/or on field trips) to describe and assess potential risks of natural disasters, analyze the costs and benefits of potential solutions, and link such interpretations to information presented in class.
Illustrate a scientific understanding of the causes, processes, and effects of geologic hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami, flooding, mass wasting, climate change, and meteorite impacts.
Analyze how natural hazards impact human societies and examine how human actives can increase the risks natural hazards.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with peers in scientifically describing samples or images, supporting interpretations, and finding solutions to problems related to natural disasters.

Program Outcomes

Produce written interpretations of earth science materials.
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.