Environmental Geology

less than 15

Integrated lecture and lab

Two Year College

This is an introductory course designed for general science and non-science students as well as those preparing for careers in environmental areas or in geology. In addition to lectures, the course has integrated laboratories and at least one field trip. About 50% of the students taking this course are exploring science as a career, or interested in pursuing geology or any other environmental careers. Others take this course to satisfy a general education requirement. Beginning algebra is a prerequisite for this course.

The Environmental Geology course covers fundamental concepts of geology and natural hazards such as volcanic activity, slope process, coastal erosion, flooding, earthquakes; human-induced impacts such the greenhouse effect, surface water and groundwater pollution, air pollution, soil erosion, mineral extraction and waste disposal. Students apply the scientific method of inquiry, present an understanding of dynamic geologic systems and their potential hazards through laboratories, projects, and field activities.
3. Discuss how human activities have impact upon geologic systems.
4. Recognize problems, envision and present solutions for remediation of disrupted systems.

At the successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Apply the scientific method of inquiry.
2. Present an understanding of dynamic geologic systems and their potential hazards.
3.Discuss how human activities have impact upon geologic systems.
4.Recognize problems, envision and present solutions for remediation of disrupted systems.

This course has activities such as the submission of a current event essay in which the students select a current environmental geology event or issue of their interest and write an analysis of the data collected, its analyses and results from at least three reliable sources of information, including a peer-reviewed scientific research paper. They also made conclusions based on the analyses of the researched sources of information.
Other activities done in the course to achieve the goals of the course include: data collection to construct a stream profile and calculate discharge, use a groundwater model to determine Darcy's Law, and groundwater issues, including contamination, as well as analysis of carbon dioxide data from the atmosphere to determine the rate of increase and the human impact on climate.

I want my students to explore fundamental concepts and issues associated with environmental geology, reason why I incorporate hands on activities such as exploring groundwater movement and human-induced issues using a groundwater model; investigating a local creek by doing direct measurements to make a stream profile and calculate discharge. I also want the students to understand the value and work done by scientists in gathering and analyzing quantitative data with the purpose of making better sense of our planet and how it changes.

I assess my students learning qualitatively and quantitatively, as well as through formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment includes asking questions in class as the topic is being discussed, including questions to check their prior knowledge and experiences, as well as through game-based learning platforms. Summative assessment includes, laboratories, group and individual projects, as well as quizzes and examinations.

Syllabus (Acrobat (PDF) 599kB May2 19)

Introduction to Environmental Geology, 5th ed., by Edward A. Keller (ISBN-13: 978-0-321-72751-0 or ISBN-10: 0-321-72751-7).
It was the one adapted when I started in this college and I think its good so far. I update any information by providing recent articles.