Structural Geology and Tectonics

Jackie Langille

University of North Carolina Asheville
a
Public four-year institution, primarily undergraduate
.

Summary

Study of rock deformational processes and resulting structures in the Earth's crust with application to global and regional tectonics. Lab work and field trips emphasize the use of methods to assist in the geometric and kinematic interpretation of rock structures.

Course URL:
Course Size:

15-30

Course Context:

This is an upper-division course with a prerequisite of introductory geology. The course has a required four-hour laboratory and two required one-day field trips.

Course Goals:

  • Students should be able to interpret unfamiliar geologic maps and construct cross sections.
  • Students should be able to apply stereonets to answer structural problems.
  • Students should develop a basic understanding of geologic mapping techniques.
  • Students should develop an understanding of how structural geology applies to tectonics.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

The course lecture will be used to provide the content needed for the student to develop these skills and apply them in the laboratory section of the course. The laboratory assignments will be used to help the students develop an understanding of structural geology and techniques (e.g., using stereonets, geologic mapping, cross section construction, etc.).

Skills Goals

  • Students should be able to use programs such as ArcGIS and Adobe Illustrator for geologic map and cross section construction.
  • Students should develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Students should develop scientific writing skills.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

The course laboratory will be used to give assignments that will encourage development of critical thinking skills. The students will be required to write a 10 page paper reviewing topics of their choice (to be approved by the professor).

Attitudinal Goals

  • Developing the students sense of constructive criticism.
  • Increasing the students interest in structural geology and its applications.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

The lecture and laboratory materials will give the students the background necessary to understand questions in structural geology and tectonics from which they can use to evaluate scientific material and its relevance.

Assessment

Student learning will be assessed by the students involvement in the course. Assignments and exams will also be used to evaluate which topics are understood and which are not.

Syllabus: