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Exploring Earth's Surface: Landforms and Environments Laboratory


Course Description

Optional laboratory for Exploring Earth's Surface: Landforms and Environments.


Athena Title

Earth Surf Landforms Lab


Pre or Corequisite

GEOG 1113 or GEOG 1113E


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall, spring and summer


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Successful completion of this laboratory course will provide the following learning outcomes: A basic understanding of scientific units, data acquisition, and data analysis in earth science Ability to use maps, aerial photographs, satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data in the study of the earth’s surface An opportunity to use scientific instrumentation for monitoring physical environmental conditions and processes Exposure to outdoor learning experiences that focus on applications of physical processes in the local environment An understanding of the scientific methods that have been used to collect and analyze data on the nature of earth systems An appreciation for the landforms and landscapes that make up our world, how they are formed, how they are likely to evolve, and how we as humans are affected by them and how we can degrade them This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with laboratory exercises. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes the following elements, which are accomplished through laboratory activities and assignments, lecture, classroom discussion/inquiry-based learning efforts: Consider and engage opposing points of view Support a consistent purpose and point of view Assimilate, analyze, and present a body of information Analyze arguments


Topical Outline

Fundamental Geographic Concepts Topographic Maps Plate Tectonics Recurrence Intervals for Natural Events Campus Weathering Profiles Water Balance and Water Resources Watershed Analysis Fluvial Geomorphology Coastal and Arid Geomorphology Soils Glacial/Quaternary Geomorphology


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus