Course Syllabus


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Class Orientation   Unit 1: Origin of the Earth   Unit 2: Plate Tectonics









Unit 3: Matter and Minerals   Unit 4: Igneous Rocks   Unit 5: Sedimentary Rocks




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Earth science or Geoscience is an all-embracing term referring to the fields of science dealing with planet Earth. It is arguably a special branch of planetary science, though with a much older history. There are both reductionist and holistic approaches to Earth sciences. The formal discipline of Earth sciences may include the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, oceans and biosphere, as well as the solid earth. Typically, Earth scientists will use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chronology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how the Earth system works, and how it evolved to its current state.


The syllabus describes how each week you will engage in online activities that prepare you for our face-to-face class meetings. 

Each week you will...

  1. Read assigned chapter(s) in your text & watch videos found in Modules
  2. Complete the practice quizzes
  3. Turn in homework assignments
  4. Complete field trip discussion with your group

Use Canvas to help you stay organized and on-track! See the Assignment list below for more details.

Course Summary:

Date Details