Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Environmental Geology

 Title Abbreviation:   ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

 Department:    GEOL&

 Course #:    110

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    400601

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

Study of the interaction of humans and geological processes. Analysis of geologic hazards (volcanism, slope failure, earthquakes, flooding) and resource management (ores, water, energy resources, waste disposal). GEOL& 100 or 101 recommended. Field trips may be required. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU GLG 380
U of W BLG 313
WSU GLG 210
WWU GLG 214

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. 1.Use multiple lines of evidence (maps, radiometric data, landforms, etc.) to identify and assess the risk from different geological hazards, specifically volcanos, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tsunami.
  2. 2.Describe geologic resource management issues, particularly fossil fuel, water, and ore resources, and how different countries manage resource issues.
  3. 3.Identify ways in which cultural, political and economic factors influence how science is able to inform policy on geologic hazards and Earth resource management.
  4. 4.Understand how the concepts from points 1 through 3 above can be used to minimize adverse geologic impacts on our own environment and on other cultures.
  5. 5.Describe how the issues developed in exploring points 1 through 4 above, impact their lives and the lives of others in the bioregion (Pacific Northwest) .

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.6 Recognize how the value and biases in different disciplines can affect the ways in which data is analyzed.

5. Global & Local Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding the complexity and interdependence of, and stewardship responsibilities to, local and global communities and environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
5.3 Understand the consequences of choices as they relate to local/global community and environmental issues.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.
6.3 Apply successful organizational strategies of planning, goal setting, prioritizing, resolving conflict, and managing time to specific goals and/or projects.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the political and ethical issues in science.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.2 Demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and environmental issues in the use and misuse of technology.

Course Contents

  1. Introduction/Review of physical geology concepts, Overview, Maps
  2. Volcanic Hazards
  3. Earthquake Hazards
  4. Landslides/Avalanches
  5. Rivers-flooding, physical properties of flowing water
  6. Surface fresh water resources, water pollution I
  7. Groundwater resources, water pollution II; soils
  8. Mineral/Energy resources: distribution and abundance, extraction
  9. Mining and Energy II: refining, resource depletion, alternatives
  10. Waste management, Regional Planning and Assessment-Outlook