Geology (GEOL) Course Listings

Examines the physical Earth with focus on plate tectonics and its influence on the rock cycle, earthquakes, volcanoes, and environmental changes over deep geologic time. Laboratory exercises include rock and mineral identification, interpretation of maps and other geologic data, performing measurements, recording observations, analyzing data using basic math, and writing reports. A field trip to a local geologic site may be required. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisite: None

Examines the Geology of the Pacific Northwest with a focus on the influence of plate tectonics on earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, the rock cycle, and environmental changes within the context of deep geologic time. Laboratory exercises include rock and mineral identification, interpretation of maps and other geologic data, performing measurements, recording observations, analyzing data using basic math, and writing reports. A field trip to a local geologic site may be required. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisite: None

Offers a comprehensive one-term study of the Earth's physical properties and processes. Major topics are rocks and minerals, weathering, erosion, deserts, coasts, ground water, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, and geologic hazards. Laboratory work, to be completed at home, includes identification of minerals and rocks and map interpretation. This telecourse is recommended only for the strongly self-motivated student. It is not intended for geology majors. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisite: None

Examines the physical and biological evolution of Earth as determined by evidence preserved in rocks. Major topics include geologic time, the rock cycle, long-term environmental changes, the driving force of plate tectonics, and the timeline of geologic discovery. Laboratory exercises include rock and mineral identification, interpretation of maps and other geologic data, performing measurements, recording observations, analyzing data using basic math, and writing reports. A field trip to a local geologic site may be required. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisite: None

Primarily explores the geology in the Columbia River Gorge between The Dalles, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Provides students with the opportunity to observe, and make hypotheses about, the processes that shape our planet and that affect humans, salmon, and other organisms. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisites: None

Examines geologic concepts with respect to a specific region of Earth's surface. Lab hours are required for this course.

Prerequisite: GEOL& 101

Offers individualized learning opportunities for knowledge or skill development. Content and expectations are established between the student and instructor, and documented in an Independent Study contract.

Prerequisite: By Instructor Permission only.