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:    2019


 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.

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