791-218 Earth Science

Introduction to Resource Conservation.

This subject is designed to enable the student to:

• demonstrate a knowledge of the universe and solar system;

• describe the methods used to determine the composition of the Earth;

• define the theory; of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading, including the early ideas that led up to the current theory;

• list and describe the properties of minerals and have the ability to discuss why minerals are important in the study of geology;

• develop the skills which will enable them to classify and identify rocks both in the field and in the laboratory;

• apply the principles of relative time to list geological events in chronological order;

• describe the methods used to determine geological time; and

• describe the main geomorphic processes that aid in the development of land forms.

The subject is designed to incorporate the theoretical side of earth science with the practical field application of the subject area. Students will spend a mixture of time in the class, developing their understanding of the theory, along with some practical map interpretation, combined with fieldwork where students will apply what they have learnt in the class to real life examples of the subject matter.

2-hour examination (40%); field report (20%); assignment of 2000 words (20%); practicals (20%).