GEOL 130 - Geology of the Southwestern United States

3 Credits
This is a field course. The majority of the instruction takes place off-campus. Students are introduced to the scientific field of geology and apply it through hands-on study in a field setting. Topics will include an overview of rock and mineral identification and formation, weathering and erosion, earthquakes, volcanism, erosion and depositional environments, surface water and groundwater studies and plate tectonics. Students will study these topics while hiking through the natural settings in which they exist and learn about the geologic history of the region(s). The majority of the course will be held in national parks within the southwestern United States.