Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 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:    2021


 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: ENGL 099 with a grade of "C" or higher (or placement into college-level English); and either placement into OR co-enrollment in OR completion of a college-level Math course with a grade of "C" or higher.

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