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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

GEOL 2051: Historical Geology: Global Change through Time

This course explores the evolution of Earth, the continents, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and biosphere over geologic time. Students learn about the scientific principles, evidence, techniques and technologies for addressing fundamental inquires such as how oxygen was added to the atmosphere, how and why climates have changed throughout time and the significance to current climate change; how water was added to the oceans, and causes of sea level change; the formation and erosion of mountains; causes and effects of glaciations; theories for the origin of life, and the timing and causes of major extinctions; and the recent importance of humans as geologic agents. Delivery Method:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the development of the Earth’s crust and the geological, biological and environmental implications of changes in continental configurations over time;
  • Relate the vast extent of geological time to the concept that enormous changes have taken place at very slow rates;
  • Apply the techniques for measurement of geological time—both relative and absolute;
  • Explain the concept of evolution, as well as why and how all life forms on the Earth have evolved from common ancestors;
  • Describe the nature of life forms on earth, and their progression through geological time with a focus on life forms of the Paleozoic, the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic;
  • Explain the nature of the fossil record;
  • Apply some of the techniques used to discover, describe, and interpret fossils.

Course topics

  • Unit 1: Earth’s Materials, Plate Tectonics and Geological Time
  • Unit 2: Sedimentary Depositional Environments, Life on Earth, and the Precambrian Earth
  • Unit 3: Geology and Life on Earth during the Paleozoic
  • Unit 4 Geology and Life on Earth during the Mesozoic
  • Unit 5 Geology and Life on Earth during the Cenozoic

Required text and materials

The following materials are required for this course:

  1. Wicander, R., & Monroe, J. (2016). Historical Geology: Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Brooks/Cole.
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-305-11956-7
  2. GEOL 2051 Fossil Kit (General Fossil Collection – 15 Specimens)
  3. GEOL 2051 Sediment Lab Kit (Sample: Post-Glacial Marine Sediment)

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory final examination.

Assignment 1 12%
Assignment 2 12%
Assignment 3 12%
Assignment 4 12%
Assignment 5 12%
Final Exam (Mandatory) 40%
TOTAL 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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