C-ID Descriptor
Historical Geology Laboratory

Historical Geology (110)

None

1. Basic introduction to identifying rocks and minerals
2. Identify major groups of fossil organisms
3. Examine modes of fossil preservation
4. Constructing and interpreting cladograms
5. Interpret geologic maps
6. Interpret geologic cross sections
7. Interpret stratigraphic columns
8. Relative dating and interpreting sequences of geologic events
9. Introduction to absolute dating
10. Paleogeographic reconstruction
11. Field Trips

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1)   Apply the principles of the scientific method

2)   Apply concepts and principles of Historical Geology including:

• Fossilization
• Ecology, Evolution, Extinction and the Fossil Record
• Plate Tectonics
• Geologic Time and Dating Methods
• The Supercontinent Cycle and Paleoclimate

3)   Identify representative physical samples of fossils and rocks

4)   Apply knowledge of tectonic processes to interpret geologic events

5)   Interpret geologic maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns

6)  Apply principles of relative dating to interpret sequences of geologic events

7)  Communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams.

Shall include multiple measures of performance that may include, but are not limited to:

• Lab reports and activities
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Field Trip reports

Historical Geology: Interpretations and Applications (Prentice Hall – Poort and Carlson)

Insights: A Laboratory Manual for Historical Geology (Kendall Hunt – Ossian)

Laboratory Studies in Earth History (McGraw Hill – Levin and Smith)