Skip to main content

GEOL 101

Introduction to Geology

Geological Sciences College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Course Description

Cultural focus on physical and environmental geology for nonscience majors; rocks and minerals. Field trips.

When Taught

Fall and Winter

Grade Rule

Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)

Min

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

2

Fixed

1

Note

Also offered by BYU Independent Study; enroll anytime throughout year; one year to complete; additional tuition required; register at is.byu.edu.

Title

Tectonic System

Learning Outcome

1. Learn the basic evidences and ideas that support the Theory of Plate Tectonics.2. Understand how the plate tectonic system works, including the role of the different types of plate boundaries and the forces that help to drive the system.3. Learn how the plate tectonic system has helped to shape the Earth's surface.

Title

Geologic Time

Learning Outcome

1. Gain a greater insight into the enormous length of geologic time and the evidences that support this claim.2. Learn the different ways that scientists can determine geologic ages.

Title

Hydrologic System

Learning Outcome

1. Understand how the hydrologic system helps to shape the Earth and how the different sub-systems interact.2. Learn the reasons for climate change in both ancient and modern times.

Title

Other Planets

Learning Outcome

Learn how and why the other planets and moons in our solar system are different from Earth.

Title

Rocks and Minerals

Learning Outcome

1. Understand the difference between minerals and rocks.2. Be able to identify common rocks and minerals.3. Know where and when the basic rock and mineral types form and how they are related to the hydrologic and tectonic systems.

Title

Graphics

Learning Outcome

Understand and utilize scientific graphs, charts, maps, and images.