In this course students learn about different aspects of physical geology on our planet, and how it works. Our planet is so amazing, and hopefully you’ll come away from this class with an understanding of the processes operating on the surface and within the interior. This is a science class, and so as we go through I don’t just want you to focus on what’s happening, I want you to think about why. Being able to look around you and understand why things are happening is a very powerful tool!
Student Learning Outcomes are the goals you are aiming to achieve by the end of this course. Upon successful completion of this course, the Student Learning Outcomes state that you will be able to:
Formulate sound hypotheses that explain geological phenomena using basic physical science principles such as gravity, density, differentiation of materials, heat transfer, buoyance, etc.
Describe the three major rock types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) and how rocks transition between each type to form the rock cycle.
Describe the theory of plate tectonics and the three major types of plate boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform) to explain geomorphological and structural landforms.
There is no required textbook for this course. All required course materials are provided through Canvas free of charge. For optional additional reading about the topics we cover, you may refer to the following Open Educational Resource (OER) textbooks:
Physical Geology - 2nd Edition by Steven Earle, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Historical Geology by Callan Bentley, Karen Layou, Russ Kohrs, Shelley Jaye, Matt Affolter, and Brian Ricketts, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Relevant chapters from these OER textbooks are listed on the introduction page for each module.
Although not required, a rock and mineral kit is strongly recommended. Since this is an online course, many students find it helpful to examine physical samples while learning about minerals and rock types. If your budget allows, the Rocks & Minerals Earth Science Collection is one suitable option.
This course is fully online, so appropriate Internet access is required. Computer devices used to access this course must have audio and video streaming capability. They must have an up-to-date browser and operating system. This includes desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Canvas.
As a fully online class, you'll use the following skills:
Computer skills (word processing, software installation, and file management – upload, download, save, name, copy, move, backup, delete, and organize folders).
Internet skills (connect, access, and browse the learning management system, search engines, and library databases).
Online communication skills (read, search, create, send, receive, reply, follow threads, email, chat, message, and post).
Don't feel quite ready? Don't worry, there are lots of resources to help support you!
Course content and assignments are organized into Modules in Canvas.
Each module will take approximately 7-9 hours to complete, including reviewing the content and completing the graded video quizzes, discussion, and written quizzes.
During our 16-week term, you will complete one module per week. (Note: this means that you will need to devote 7-9 hours to this class every week.)
If this class were in-person, it would meet for 1.5 hours two days a week, plus time to complete homework assignments and study outside of class. The time commitment for the online class is the same. The difference is that you set the schedule!