51³ÉÈËÁÔÆæ

Course Description

Summary

The study of minerals and rocks is fundamental to earth science as well as understanding and developing solutions for most environmental problems. All products consumed by people are either directly removed from the earth or grown in a medium consisting largely of earth materials. The nature of the earth materials in any region has great bearing on how human activities will impact the environment there. Through this course, students will build an understanding of how the chemistry of minerals influences geologic and environmental processes, how rocks form within the earth, how to identify common rock-forming minerals, and how to classify rock types. The course will include field trips to local sites during class periods and on several Saturdays through the term. Prior coursework in geology is required. Prior coursework in chemistry is recommended.