General Geology 1
Wayne Powell
Brooklyn College
Summary
This course introduces potential geology majors earth science through an investigation of the environmental quality of the local environment, and supporting just-in-time lessons.
Course Type: Intro Level:Environmental Geology Intro Level
Course Size:
15-30
Course Format:
Integrated lecture and lab
Institution Type:
University with graduate programs, including doctoral programs
Course Context:
This course models the activities of geoscientists in order to provide practice with foundational skills, and provide students with an early experience from which to judge their interest/aptitude for a career as an earth scientist.
In your department, do majors and non-majors take separate introductory courses? yes
They cover different topics. The majors course involves more extensive integration of research skills and use of technology.
If students take a "non-majors" course, and then decide to become a major, do they have to go back and take an additional introductory course? yes
Course Content:
This introductory course covers topics in geology (earth materials, weathering, energy resources, local geological setting) and meteorology. Lab work focuses on sampling and analysis of air-borne particulates and answer questions such as "what is in the air?", "how much particulate matter is in the air?", and "where did the particulates come from?".
Course Goals:
1. Students will be able to inform members of the community about a Brooklyn-related environmental issue that they analyzed from the perspective of a geologist
2. Students will be able to evaluate a claim of an environmental risk as presented in the media
3. Students will be able to effectively and accurately describe complex data and procedures
2. Students will be able to evaluate a claim of an environmental risk as presented in the media
3. Students will be able to effectively and accurately describe complex data and procedures
Course Features:
The course is place-based, focusing on their own community and campus. Priority is given to the lab experience, and lecture material provides scaffolding for the practical activities.
Course Philosophy:
Our students (and their families) are very career-minded. Modeling a practical urban environmental geology investigation provides students with experiences from which to judge their interest/aptitude for a career as an earth scientist, and provides skills and experience to aid in their search for career-related internships.
Assessment:
The main assessment is based on the presentation of their research findings to the class and invited guests (e.g., EPA representative, community official).
