If the content you are seeing is presented as unstyled HTML your browser is an older version that cannot support cascading style sheets. If you wish to upgrade your browser you may download Mozilla or Internet Explorer for Windows.

GEOL 201 course cover

Geology (GEOL) 201
Introductory Historical Geology
(Revision 2)

View previous version.

Delivery mode: Individualized study. Home lab component.

Credits: 3 - Science

Prerequisite: GEOL 200 is strongly recommended.

Centre: Centre for Science

GEOL 201 has a Challenge for Credit option.

Overview

Historical geology is involved directly or indirectly in most aspects of geological studies. There are direct links with astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. GEOL 201 involves discussion of the basic aspects of the discipline, the techniques and evidence used in reconstructing the evolution of Earth, and current research in mass extinctions and global change.

Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Historical Geology

Unit 2: Sedimentary Rocks and Historical Geology

Unit 3: Life Through Time

Unit 4: Geological Concepts of Time

Unit 5: Planetary Beginnings and the Origin of the Earth

Unit 6: The Evolution and Structure of the Earth

Unit 7: Precambrian Time

Unit 8: The Paleozoic Era

Unit 9: The Mesozoic Era

Unit 10: The Cenozoic Era

Unit 11: Historical Geology Today and Tomorrow

Evaluation

To receive credit for GEOL 201, you must achieve a minimum lab average of 60 percent, achieve a course composite grade of at least "C−" (60 percent) and achieve a grade of at least 60 percent on each of the examinations. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Lab Assignments Mid-term Exam Final Exam Total
30% 30% 40% 100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Levin, H. L. The Earth Through Time, 8th ed. New York: Wiley, 2006.

Rhodes, F. T., H. S. Zim, and P. R. Shaffer. Fossils: A Guide to Prehistoric Life. New York: Golden, 1962.

Other Materials

The course materials include a study guide, a student manual, a laboratory manual, a reader, and a geological time scale.

Top