Geology (GEOL) 201

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:

The midterm and final examinations for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

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

Course Materials

Textbooks

Other Materials

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

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the GEOL 201 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “C-”(60 percent) on the examination.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form