GS 106 Earth, Sea, Sky

This course surveys Earth and space sciences for non-science majors. Topics include geologic processes, time, hazards, oceans, atmosphere, and cosmology from asteroids, planets, stars, to galaxies and beyond. Labs include basic scientific techniques, minerals, rocks, maps, and space imagery. Lab included.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply scientific reasoning using methodologies of geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, and astronomy to explore the relationships of physical sciences and the real world and thereby experience the joy of discovery
2. Work in a collaboration with others to measure and collect data related to earth science disciplines and astronomy, to analyze and graph the data
3. Practice discussing and formulating geologic concepts and processes that allow interpretations and conclusions based on their own observations
4. Analyze the interrelationships among geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, and astronomy and society, including the ethical use of science in society
5. Analyze the development of plate tectonic theory especially in light of the political situation at the time the theory was developing
6. Apply plate tectonic theory to specific situations and analyze the limitations of plate tectonic theory
7. Appraise past and current state of climate change theories and compare them with past and present climate change data
8. Evaluate the ethics of science early on with a look at the scientific method and how personal biases influence the thought process