Geology (GEOL) 207
Introduction to Environmental Geology (Revision 1)
Revision 1 closed, replaced by current version.
Delivery Mode:Individualized study online.
Credits:3
Area of Study:Science
Prerequisite:None
Centre:Centre for Science
GEOL 207 has a Challenge for Credit option.
check availability
Overview
As a discipline, environmental geology deals with using geological knowledge to address interactions between humans and the physical environment: the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and, to some degree, the atmosphere.
Environmental geology is a multidisciplinary subject that covers a broad range of topics, ranging from Earth materials and their use to Earth processes, including natural hazards and their impact on human lives. The environmental effects of exploring Earth resources is also an integral component of the course.
Outline
The course is divided into 18 units.
Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Environmental Geology
Unit 2: Internal Structure of Earth
Unit 3: Minerals and Rocks
Unit 4: Ecology and Geology
Unit 5: Introduction to Natural Hazards
Unit 6: Earthquakes and Related Phenomena
Unit 7: Volcanic Activity
Unit 8: Rivers and Flooding
Unit 9: Slope Processes, Landslides, and Subsidence
Unit 10: Coastal Processes
Unit 11: Water Resources
Unit 12: Water Pollution
Unit 13: Mineral Resources
Unit 14: Energy Resources
Unit 15: Soils and the Environment
Unit 16: Waste Management
Unit 17: Global Climate Change
Unit 18: Geology, Society, and the Future
Evaluation
Your final grade in GEOL 207 will be based on your performance in 10 laboratory assignments and two examinations. The passinggrade for GEOL 207 is "C−" (60%). You must average 60% on the assignments, and you must receive a grade of at least 60% to pass an examination. The table below lists the components that contribute to your grade and the credit weight of each.
| 10 Lab Assignments (5% each) | Midterm Exam | Final Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 20% | 30% | 100% |
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
Keller, E. A. (2007). Introduction to Environmental Geology (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Foley, D., McKenzie, G. D., & Utgard, R. O. (2009). Investigations in Environmental Geology (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Other Materials
The course materials include a study guide, student manual, and a laboratory assignment manual.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 1, November 2, 2009.
Last updated by SAS 07/07/2014 16:42:09
