Course Syllabus
Course: GEO 1225
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Geology
Title: Historical Geology Laboratory
Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028
Catalog Description: In this course, students will learn to apply the basic principles of historical geology including rock identification, sedimentology, relative and absolute dating, fossil identification, geologic map interpretation, and interpretation of rocks in the field.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 3
Prerequisites: GEO 1110 or 1010 or permission of the instructor
Corequisites: GEO 1220
Justification: This lab is an integral part of an historical geology course as it teaches the skills necessary to continue as a geology major. Its purpose is to introduce geology students to some of the intermediate skills of a geologist. This course is required curriculum for geology majors and is designed to transfer as GEO 1225 to other public colleges in the Utah system of higher education.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Identify and interpret common rocks. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Identify and interpret environments of deposition This will be assessed using lab and field exercises and lab exams.
Correlate rock units using a variety of stratigraphic techniques. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Construct and interpret lithofacies maps. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Determine the relative sequence of geologic events in the lab or in the field. This will be assessed using lab and field exercises and lab exams.
Determine the age of rocks given isotopic data or fossil content. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Identify and classify fossils by Kingdom and Phylum and, in some cases, Class and Order. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Identify the method of preservation of a fossil. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Construct a structural cross-section from a geologic map. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Interpret earth history using geologic maps. This will be assessed using lab exercises and lab exams.
Content:
Students are invited to connect with the natural world and relate the culture and history of a place to the geologic processes that shape it and the ability to identify the materials present. The geologic history of a landscape will be explored as a means of identity. During this course, the following topics will be addressed using hands-on laboratory exercises. Any topic not so covered remains the responsibility of the student to explore.• Identification and more advanced interpretation of rocks.• Sedimentary environments • Application of stratigraphic principles• Constructing and interpreting facies maps and structural cross-sections• Relative and absolute dating and sequences of events • Fossil classification and methods of preservation • Using geologic maps to determine geologic history.Unique student perspectives on these topics will be discussed.
Key Performance Indicators:
Lab/field exercises 50 to 70%
Lab exams 30 to 50%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Scott Ritter and Morris Peterson and J. Keith Rigby, Interpreting Earth History: A Manual in Historical Geology, current edition.
Pedagogy Statement:
Instructors will use laboratory and field exercises that require group work to engage and encourage learning. Instructors will work to become aware of the negative or oppressive experiences of marginalized students. They will demonstrate caring through attitude, expectations, and behavior. They will make an effort to learn students' names, learn about their backgrounds and social identities, and include their unique perspectives. Instructors will provide constructive feedback. They will foster opportunities for group work and peer-to-peer interaction.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 6
