GEOL 306/L. Earth Materials and Lab (3/1)

Prerequisite: Any 3-unit 100-level GEOL course. Corequisite: GEOL 306L. Recommended Preparatory: Any 100-level CHEM course. Study of the origin and distribution of the solid materials that comprise the Earth. Students will learn the physical and optical properties of minerals and use those properties to perform mineral and rock identifications. The course will emphasize placing earth materials in the context of the rock cycle and plate tectonic theory. Homework assignments organized around real data sets will simulate research experience and provide important problem solving opportunities. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, field trip, fee required.