Course Proficiencies for G203 Geology--by Bob Reynolds
Assumed prerequisites:
Math:
Perform arithmetic calculations using a calculator and correctly
manipulate and solve 3 variable algebraic equations
Reading and Writing:
Read and understand English language as found in
college level textbooks and spoken by the instructor and write in complete
sentences using correct grammar.
Geography:
Be familiar with basic landforms and know the locations of
major regional and global land marks.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have demonstrated
competence in the following topics as evidenced by a cumulative score of
70% or more on exams, homework and lab exercises:
1. Discuss the scope of historical geology.
2. Use examples to describe catastrophism, uniformitarianism and cyclic
processes
3. Discuss in detail the concept of absolute radiometric age
determinations including a description of at least 3 different
radiometric age determination schemes and their most common
applications.
4. Discuss 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages associated with absolute
dating.
5. In a diagram reconstruct the geologic history of an outcrop by
sequencing of each of the labeled rock units in their proper position in
the spaces provided next to the diagrams below. In addition, be sure to
identify by name each of the specific types of unconformities on the
diagrams.
6. Describe the basic concept behind absolute dating of geologic
materials.
7. Discuss the advantages and problems associated with absolute geologic
dating.
8. Compare and contrast absolute and relative age dating techniques of
geologic materials.
9. Determine the age of a core sample by identifying and correlating
overlapping species of microfossils contained in the core
10. Complete a lateral correlation diagram of a sequence of 4 different
outcrops and interpret the geological significance of the compiled
correlation.
11. Define the following: atoms, elements, stable isotopes, unstable
isotopes, radioactive decay, half life
13. Describe the nature of unconformities and the characteristics of the 3
types of unconformities.
14. List the 4 major eons, 3 major eras of geologic time with their
absolute age boundaries and the 12 periods of geologic time in
chronological order
15. Provide a detailed discussion of stratigraphy in terms of the 3
categories of information we see, what 3 types of conclusions can they
provide us and why this is important
16. Discuss by example 4 categories of information contained in
sedimentary rocks that provide clues to depositional environments and
energy conditions.
17. Describe the 5 principles used in relative age dating of geological
materials.
18. Describe 2 examples of terrestrial environments and 2 examples of
marine environments in terms of what the environment would look like and
the distribution of specific rock types and rock textures
19. Discuss 4 different examples of geopetal and or current structures in
terms of what each texture looks like and what specific information it
provides.
20. Discuss the major contributions of Hutton, Steno, Lyell, Darwin to the
science of geology.
21. Use examples to describe in detail the various types of fossilization.
22. Compare and contrast trace and pseudo fossils.
23. Describe the various ways in which geologists use he fossil record.
24. Discuss the nature of he fossil record in terms of it completeness and
bias and utility in interpreting geologic history.
25. Discuss the characteristics and issues associated defining a fossil
species.
26. Define evolution. Discuss in detail at least 4 different evidences
that support the theory of evolution.
27. Compare and contrast the concepts of phyletic gradualism and
punctuated equilibrium.
28. Define extinction and discuss in detail 3 different possible causes of
mass extinctions.
29. Describe 3 different strategies that a species can employ to survive a
mass extinction event.
30. Briefly describe 5 different patterns of evolution identified in the
fossil record
31. Discuss in detail the various factors that affect the preservation of
fossils.
32. Use examples to describe the various types of fossilization.
33. Discuss in detail the 5 most significant geologic and or biologic
developments that occurred during the Archean Eon.
34. Discuss specific examples of the major rock types that are abundant in
the Proterozoic and what these rocks are telling us about the development
of the Earth during the Proterozoic.
35. Discuss the development of living organisms in the Archean and
Proterozoic and their effect on the rock record and the atmosphere
36. Compare and contrast prokaryotes vs eukaryotes and anaerobic vs
aerobic organisms in context of their significance in the geologic record
37. Discus the origin and differentiation of early Earth
38. Discuss the early development of continents in context of plate
tectonics
39. discuss the geological significance of the following; Banded iron
formation, red beds, carbonates, Belt super group, stromatolites,
Ediacaran fauna
40. Describe in detail the characteristics and geological significance of
the 4 major transgressions that occurred in the Paleozoic Era.
41. Describe the characteristics and geological significance of 4 major
orogenies that occurred in the Paleozoic.
42. Describe the major life forms that developed during the Paleozoic and
discuss the significance of these life forms in terms of their role in
climate, tectonics and evolution.
43. Compare an contrast the Permian and K-T extinction events in terms of
life forms affected, tectonics and possible causes.
44. Describe the major tectonic events that North America underwent from
the end of the Permian through the end of the Cretaceous in terms of the
timing and characteristics of specific orogenies and transgressions and
the resulting effect the events had on the development of North America.
45. Describe the major life forms that developed during the and discuss
the significance of these life forms in terms of their role in climate,
tectonics and evolution.
56. Describe the major tectonic and geologic events that occurred in North
America during the Cenozoic.
47. Describe the major life forms that developed during the Cenozoic and
discuss the significance of these life forms in terms of their role in
climate, tectonics and evolution and discuss the significance of these
life forms in terms of their role in climate, tectonics and evolution.
48. Discuss the occurrence of energy resources in the Paleozoic through
Cenozoic rock record.
49. Discuss the occurrence of marine and terrestrial rocks in the
Paleozoic through Cenozoic rock record.
50. Describe the major geologic events that occurred in Oregon in the
Paleozoic through Cenozoic eras.
51. Compare and contrast the major life forms that developed during the
Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
52. Reconstruct and Interpret the geologic history portrayed on geological
maps of each of the major Eras of geological time.