Courses

Course Syllabus

GEOL1301 - Earth Science

Catalog Description: Survey of physical sciences with emphasis on the earth's ecological and geological processes. Note: Students are advised to complete their science requirements before attempting this course. Lecture Hrs = 3, Lab Hrs = 0

Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours per Week:
Contact Hours per Semester: 48
State Approval Code: 4006015100

Course Subject/Catalog Number:  GEOL 1301
Course Title:  Earth Science

Instructional Goals and Purposes:

Lee College's instructional goals include 1) creating an academic atmosphere in which students may develop their intellects and skills and 2) providing courses so students may receive a certificate/an associate degree or transfer to a senior institution that offers baccalaureate degrees.  

General Course Objectives:

Successful completion of this course will promote the general student learning outcomes listed below. The student will be able:

1. To use on a regular basis standard safety practices for laboratory or field investigations.
2. To use process skills of observing, classifying, communicating, measuring, and predicting.
3. To analyze, evaluate, and present information in a scientific manner.
4. To use traditional and current reference materials to explore background and historical information regarding a scientific concept.
5. To define standard of measurement and identify its need.
6. To evaluate Earth’s constructive ands destructive forces.
7. To differentiate among elements, compounds, and mixtures.
8. To differentiate among rocks based on origin

Specific Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able

1. To present basic geologic concepts through examples in our national parks and monuments.
2. To illustrate how mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geologic phenomena result from processes that occur within or on the surface of the Earth.
3. To relate plate tectonics and national park geology.
4. To become critical observers and participants of geologic phenomena in national parks.
5. To discuss the importance of the preservation of geologic features within national parks.
6. To appreciate natural science and how it relates to society and the environment.

Course Content:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the mission, history, land estate, clientele groups served, policies, and management problems and practices regarding outdoor recreation of the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Indian Lands.
2. Describe the legal foundation, cultural values, size and physical characteristics, use characteristics, and management policies, problems, and practices of the National Wilderness Preservation System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, National Trails System, and National Seashores and Lakeshores.
3. Describe the history, mission, policies, size, distribution, and physical characteristics, and management problems and practices of state parks and other state recreation areas.
4. Describe the history, mission, land estate, policies, problems, and practices of such non-government conservation organizations as The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society and how these organizations complement public resource agencies and lands.
5. Describe and evaluate the current and future role of private outdoor recreation lands and resources in complementary existing public outdoor recreation opportunities.
6. Recognize, evaluate, and, where necessary, offer solutions in the field on the following management issues in parks:
   1. recreation area access constraints, especially as it relates to disadvantaged populations
   2. facility design, operations, and maintenance
   3. recreation use monitoring
   4. recreation impact assessment: amount, causes and consequences
   5. recreation conflict
   6. information/interpretation/education practices to enhance experience quality and reduce resource impacts
   7. vandalism and depreciative behavior
   8. law enforcement and visitor regulations
   9. biodiversity, wildlife, and endangered species management
   10. site (e.g., soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife) management.

Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery:

Teaching approaches are expected to vary with individual instructors.   Thus, instructors should employ those techniques that work best for them and their students.   Lecture, discussion, audio-visual aids, guest speakers, and directed student research are some possible approaches.

Assessment:

Faculty may assign both in- and out-of-class activities to evaluate students' knowledge and abilities.   Faculty may choose from the following methods:  

• Attendance
• Book reviews
• Class preparedness and participation
• Collaborative learning projects
• Compositions
• Exams/tests/quizzes
• Homework
• Internet  
• Journals
• Library assignments
• Readings
• Research papers
• Scientific observations
• Student-teacher conferences
• Written assignments

Course Grade:

Texts, Materials, and Supplies:

For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings:   http://www.leecollegebooks.com

Other:

• Faculty Vitae
• Faculty Course Material
• Department Budget
• Six-hour Rule
• Class Attendance
• The Academic Honesty Code
• Students with Disabilities