Geology 200

Course Orientation

Course Structure

The course content of Geology 200 is organized into four parts:

Part A: Introduction

Unit 1: Introduction to Physical Geology

Part B: The Earth’s Materials

Unit 2: Minerals and Rock Types
Unit 3: Igneous Rocks
Unit 4: Weathering, Soil, and Sedimentary rocks
Unit 5: Metamorphic Rocks

Part C: Earth Surface Processes

Unit 6: Mass Wasting
Unit 7: Surface Water
Unit 8: Groundwater
Unit 9: Glaciers and Glaciation
Unit 10: Deserts and Wind Action
Unit 11: Waves, Beaches, and Coasts

Part D: The Earth’s Internal Processes

Unit 12: Structural Geology and Earthquakes
Unit 13: The Earth’s Interior
Unit 14: Plate Tectonics
Unit 15: Mountain Belts and the Continental Crust

As outlined above, Unit 1 introduces the discipline of physical geology. Units 2 to 5 discuss the materials that make up the Earth. Units 6 to 11 describe the processes that occur at the Earth’s surface. Units 12 to 15 explain processes within the Earth’s interior.

Each unit in the Study Guide begins with an overview and a list of objectives. The objectives set out exactly what you are expected to achieve by the end of each unit. These objectives can serve as a valuable guide as you proceed through the unit and also when you study for the examinations.

The units are subdivided into sections, each of which contains a brief introduction, one or more reading assignments, and a series of study questions about the material you are to read. First answer the questions, and only then check the answers provided to see how closely your answers correspond. The study questions and answers will provide a helpful review when you are preparing for an examination.

All units conclude with a “Self Test” containing questions similar to those on the two exams, plus a link to an answer key. Units 2-7 and 9-14 include a Lab Assignment you are to complete and submit.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to

• explain the plate tectonics theory, describe the internal structure of the Earth and list the fundamental differences between continents and ocean basins.
• define minerals and rocks, list the three major groups of rocks, and identify the most important minerals in each rock group.
• list five defining characteristics of a mineral, describe diagnostic properties of the major rock-forming minerals, and identify the minerals in hand specimens.
• explain the formation, composition and classification of igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks and be able to identify them in hand specimens.
• describe the most common types of mass wasting and outline factors that control mass wasting, including triggering mechanisms.
• describe the hydrological cycle and outline the role played by surface water and groundwater in the cycle.
• outline Earth surface processes that occur in glaciated areas, in deserts, and in coastal environments and describe erosional and depositional landforms associated with each environment.
• explain the concepts of stress and strain and interpret geological structures, including folds and faults, and explain the elastic rebound theory of earthquakes.
• explain how seismic waves, meteorites and gravity can provide information about the inner structure and composition of the Earth.
• describe the process of mountain building and outline the sequences of rocks formed by the convergence of different tectonic plate types.

Course Materials

Geology 200: Introductory Physical Geology is taught using a combination of print materials, lab kits, online resources, and academic support.

Textbooks

The following textbooks are available as eTexts and are accessible on the course home page:

Resources

The course package you received by mail should contain the items listed below.

If any items are missing from your course, please contact the Course Materials department at Athabasca University as soon as possible: cmat@athabascau.ca

Other Online Materials

Study Schedule

The following schedule details the activities for Geology 200. We have indicated an approximate amount of time that you should spend on each of block of study activities. You have six months from your contracted start date to complete this three-credit course. The study schedule provided is only a guide. Feel free to adapt it to meet your own needs.

Note: Students registered in a grouped-study version of the course or those receiving financial assistance may face more rigorous time constraints (i.e., less than six months). Please check your source of funding for any restrictions and be prepared to adjust your schedule accordingly.

If you find yourself falling behind, contact your tutor to discuss the situation. If you set aside a study period every week and do not procrastinate, you should have no difficulty completing the course in six months.

Note: We have not scheduled a specific time for you to conduct your research for the course project. Only the time for compilation of the material is proposed. Do not forget to plan for the data collection phase of your project as you plan your schedule. Most students will, no doubt, wish to have their research completed before they write the midterm examination; however you may find it convenient to have completed at least Unit 6 before you start tackling the project in earnest.

Student Evaluation

Your final grade in Geology 200 will be decided by your performance in the 12 laboratory assignments, the course project, and two examinations. The table below lists the course activities and their weight.

All of the assignments and the project must be completed and submitted, and both examinations must be written in order to get credit for this course. Instructions for completing the laboratory assignments are given in the “Assignment Drop Boxes” section on the course homepage.

The passing grade for Geology 200 is 60%. In addition, you must score an average of 60% or greater on the lab assignments and you must receive a grade of at least 60% to pass an examination. If you receive less than 60% for either exam, you must write a supplemental examination. You will be awarded the higher of the two grades you receive. Note that there is a fee for supplemental examination services.

The midterm examination is three hours long and covers material from Units 1 to 8. The examinations consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and a section based on the lab exercises.

The final examination is three hours long, and covers all of the material in the course. The exam contains multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, an essay question, and a section on geologic structures and geologic map interpretation.