PSCI 1524: Earth Science & Society

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Subject:
Physics
Credit hours: 4 Lecture hours: 3 Lab hours: 2
PCS code (Local ID):
Baccalaureate/Transfer
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Course Description

This laboratory course is designed to introduce the non-science major to the basic concepts of the earth sciences and how modern society affects the planet. The student will describe and analyze the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the earth. In the laboratory, the student will apply this knowledge to better understand the natural world.

IAI Number
P1-905L
IAI Title
Earth Science (lab)
Course Fee
$25
Topical Outline
  1. Introduction to Science and Earth Science
  2. Minerals and Rocks
  3. Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes
  4. Seismology
  5. Geological Dating and time
  6. Weathering
  7. Earth's History
  8. The Atmosphere
  9. Climate change
  10. History of Astronomy
  11. The Solar System
  12. Terrestrial Planets
  13. Gas Giants
  14. The Sun

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the philosophy of science and how to apply scientific thinking to everyday problems.
  • Describe minerals and rocks in terms of their properties, formation, classification, and mining practices.
  • Apply the principles of absolute and relative dating.
  • Describe the theory of plate tectonics and seismology.
  • Describe Earth’s atmosphere, including the ways in which it protects Earth’s surface.
  • Describe the factors that influence weather and storms.
  • Describe how humans can affect our climate.
  • Explain the motions in the night sky including stars, planets, and moons and how they are arranged.
  • Describe our solar system and how it relates to earth (lunar tides, the sun and the seasons, and the sun life cycle).