GEOL 1505 - Physical Geology
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40095,
Credit hours: 4
Course Meeting Times
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Course Description
In other words, Physical Geology is an introductory level course geared towards majors and non-majors alike! The course, along with the laboratory component satisfies the University Natural Science Requirement. While most will only relate studying rocks and minerals to geology, this course is much more!
Designed to instill an understanding and appreciation of the many natural processes that take place on and within our planet, this course uses a hands-on approach to apply the scientific method to understand our dynamic planet. This course also promotes an awareness of the impact and changes in society that occur as new scientific discoveries and technologies are developed and implemented.
For geology majors, this course will be the bedrock of your education – you will learn the basics to carry you on for semesters and careers to come! For non-majors, this course will enable you to see the world in a newly appreciated way – by understanding the fundamental processes that shape our world.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Essentials of Geology | Marshak | 9780393644456 |
| Required | Introductory Physical Geology Laboratory Manual for Distance Learning | Greg Gardiner, Coastal Learning Systems |
Some things in life are required…like water, air, and BOOKS!!
We have a textbook and lab manual (and materials) that are required for this course. The textbook provides the fundamentals of all of the topics we will cover. Essentials of Geology, 6th edition, by Stephen Marshak is available at the YSU Bookstore as loose-leaf copies or you can also get a digital copy if preferred. We do not need any access code that may come with the book.
The lab manual and included kit is Introductory Physical Geology Laboratory Manual for Distance Learning 1st Edition by: Greg P. Gardiner, Coast Learning Systems. This package includes a lab manual as well as mineral & rock samples, maps, and other useful materials - perfect for an online course! An access code comes with the book, which is optional, but recommended. It gives access to many interactive features for our labs! The kit is available at the YSU Bookstore and at https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/introductory-physical-geology-laboratory-kit-and-manual
The lab kit contains the following, which will be used throughout the semester:
•Laboratory Manual
•USGS Topographic Map of Yosemite Valley, CA
•USGS Topographic Map Symbols Pamphlet
•Mineral Identification Kit (glass plate, magnet, magnifying hand lens, nail, porcelain streak plate)
•10 Mineral Samples
•10 Igneous Rock Specimens
•7 Sedimentary Rock Specimens
•8 Metamorphic Rock Specimens
•5 Bags of Sedimentary Grains (various types, 100cceach)
•Ruler, 12" Standard/Metric
•Protractor, Solid Center
•Compass, Silva Base Plate
•Pencil Compass, Plastic Blunt Tip
•Fault Model Cutout on Cardstock
•Foam Material, 4" x 11" (one each of blue, red, and white)
Please have your textbook as soon as possible. Have your lab kit by the third week of classes - we will begin using the materials.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Module 1: Thinking Like A Geologist | Introduction | Due Sunday 9/6 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 8/31 | Module 2: Plate Tectonics | Plate Tectonics | Due Sunday 9/6 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 9/7 | Module 3: Minerals | Mineral ID | Due Sunday 9/13 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 9/14 | Module 4: Rock Types | What type of rock is it? | Due Sunday 9/20 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 9/21 | Module 5: Igneous Rocks | Igneous Rock ID | Due Sunday 9/27 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 9/28 | Module 6: Sedimentary Rocks | Sedimentary Rock ID | Due Sunday 10/4 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 10/5 | Module 7: Metamorphic Rocks | Metamorphic Rock ID | Due by Sunday 10/11 by 11 59 p.m. |
| 10/12 | Module 8: Geologic Time | Geologic Time | Due by Sunday 10/18 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 10/19 | Module 9: Landscapes | Topographic Maps | Due by Sunday 10/25 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 10/26 | Module 10: Earthquakes | Earthquakes | Due by Sunday 11/1 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 11/2 | Module 11: Volcanoes | Volcanoes | Due by Sunday 11/8 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 11/9 | Module 12: Geology of Water | Google Earth and Water | Due by Sunday 11/15 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 11/16 | Module 13: Unstable Lands | Mass Wasting | Due by Sunday 11/22 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 11/23 | Module 14: Geologic Resources | Water Resources | Due by Sunday 11/29 by 11:59 p.m. |
| 11/30 | Module 15: Local Geology | MCP virtual field trip | Due Sunday 12/6 by 11:59 p.m. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.