Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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SC 370 - Geology and Geophysics

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course is a survey of geology and geophysics. It provides a description of how modern science can be used to probe the interior of the Earth, and how volcanoes, earthquakes and glaciers have changed and are changing the face of the Earth. A field trip to the Northern Kettle Moraine to study glacial features is included. (prereq: junior standing)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Know how geophysical measurements are used to make predictions about the earth’s structure
  • Describe how the earth has been and will be modified by various geological processes in the past, present, and future
  • Identify those geographical locations where significant geological events have occurred, or are likely to occur
  • Fill in the “gaps” in a typical newspaper, or newsweekly article that describes a particular geological process or event, so that the content can be of greater interest to a student
  • Know the difference between silicates, carbonates and sulfides
  • Know the difference between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
  • Know the difference between convergent and divergent plate boundaries and transform faults, and know what types of earthquakes occur at each
  • Know which type of volcano produces which type of lava, and which is most dangerous
  • Describe the processes by which rock is eroded and becomes soil
  • Know how radioactive dating and fossil dating work
  • Know the different types of seismic waves
  • Know which type of fault gives rise to which type of earthquake
  • Know what kind of damage is caused by each kind of earthquake
  • Describe the processes inside the earth’s interior that give rise to plate tectonics
  • Explain how the magnetic bands on the sea floor provide evidence for continental drift
  • Know how mountains are formed
  • Know the causes of landslides and sinkholes
  • Know how groundwater is affected by pumping and pollution
  • Describe how glaciers shaped the terrain of Wisconsin
  • Recognize glacial features such as kames, eskers, kettles, moraines and drumlins
  • Understand what causes various types of sand dunes to move and grow
  • Distinguish the different types of shorelines

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None 

Course Topics
  • Minerals (1 class)
  • Volcanoes (1 class)
  • Sedimentary Rocks (1 class)
  • Geologic Time (3 classes)
  • Earth’s Interior (1 class)
  • Mountain Building (1 class)
  • Running Water (1 class)
  • Glaciers (1 class)
  • Shorelines (1 class)

Coordinator
Steven Mayer



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