elizabeth.heise@utb.edu

Private four-year institution, primarily undergraduate

31-70

This is an introductory course for general education that serves both science and non-science majors.

1. Explain topics used to the study of Earth history (plate tectonics, rock cycle)
2. Describe the formation, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks
3. Apply relative and absolute dating principles to the study of rock sequences
4. Following the Wilson Cycle model, explain how tectonic events influence the nature and timing of sedimentary rock deposition
5. Use evolutionary theory to interpret the rock and fossil record
6. Describe the changes in the fossil record over time including the dominate flora and fauna for each era of the Earth's history
7. Compare the causes and effects of the major mass extinction events in the Earth's history

These are assessed with quizzes, exams, and calibrated peer review assignments.

student writing
critical thinking

We use Calibrated Peer Review to help students work on these goals.

improve science literacy

I use a lot of examples from common mis-conceptions and try to get the students engaged in discussions.

quizzes and exams