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Discipline: Earth Sciences & Astronomy

Course Name	Course Number	Objectives
Astronomical Observing Laboratory	ASTR 5L	Students will be able to apply three coordinate systems (terrestrial, equatorial, and alt-azimuth) to globes, maps, atlases and the planetarium. Students will be able to identify parts of equatorial-mount refracting and reflecting telescopes. Students will be able to interpret star atlases, maps, catalogs and planispheres. Students will be able to plot planetary, lunar and/or solar motions on a graph, utilizing appropriate tables of positions, and interpreting the objects' apparent motions on the celestial sphere Students will be able to identify winter and summer constellations and the brightest stars in each by name. Students will be able to classify spectra of main-sequence stars from an objective prism spectrogram, using key reference spectra. Students will be able to compare telescopes to determine which would be the best instrument for a given observation. Students will be able to identify important objects in the sky using planisphere. Start assessing in Fall 08 1) Consider the following 3 telescopes that you can buy at a store. Telescope A: Galilean telescope with 3cm objective lens and 50 cm focal leng Telescope B: Galilean telescope with 10cm objective lens and 100cm focal length Telescope C: Newtonian telescope with 15cm primary mirror and 75cm focal length. All three telescopes come with the same accessories (eyepieces, motorized control, etc.) and are the same quality and price. Note: You may use a telescope more than once. a) Which telescope would you buy if your main interest was observing the structure of craters on Earth's moon? Explain your answer. b) Which telescope would you buy if your main interest was observing a very distant star? Explain your answer. c) Which telescope would you buy if your main interest was observing the moons of Jupiter? Explain your answer. success would be receiving 4 out of 6 points or higher. Each question would be worth 2 points - one point for the correct answer and one point for a valid explanation. Matching of Constellation names with their common names (i.e. Taurus = the bull) Matching of Constellation Names with their shapes / pictures
Earth Science	GEOL 8	Students will be able to describe the geologic, meteorologic, oceanographic, and astronomic processes that affect the Earth today. Students will be able to synthesize inter-relationships between geologic, meteorologic, oceanographic and astronomic processes. Students will be able to analyze global plate tectonics and its influence on the formation and occurrence of minerals, rocks, earthquakes and volcanoes, continents and oceans, and their physical features. Students will be able to describe and classify essential minerals and rocks that compose the Earth's crust. Analyze atmospheric circulation patterns, their influence on ocean circulation (surface currents, waves, upwellings, etc.), and the physical and chemical factors affecting local and regional weather and climate. Students will be able to describe the origin and composition of Earth's atmosphere and how physical and chemical differences between air masses create clouds, precipitation, lightning and thunder, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Students will be able to describe the origin and nature of the solar system (planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, comets) and other astronomic features (stars, galaxies) beyond Earth's solar system. Students will be able to apply scientific terminology and methodology to analyze the natural processes affecting the Earth. Students will be able to assess atmospheric circulation patterns, their influence on ocean circulation (surface currents, waves, upwellings, etc.), and the physical and chemical factors affecting local and regional weather and climate. Plate tectonics Types of rocks - Formation (Geol8) Ocean Circulation
Earth Science - Honors	GEOL 8H	Students will be able to evaluate contemporary scientific issues and relate these to Earth's physical environment and processes. Students will be able to synthesize inter-relationships between geologic, meteorologic, oceanographic and astronomic processes. Students will be able to describe the geologic, meteorologic, oceanographic, and astronomic processes that affect the Earth today. Students will be able to analyze global plate tectonics and its influence on the formation and occurrence of minerals, rocks, earthquakes and volcanoes, continents and oceans, and their physical features. Students will be able to describe and classify essential minerals and rocks that compose the Earth's crust. Students will be able to describe the origin and composition of Earth's atmosphere and how physical and chemical differences between air masses create clouds, precipitation, lightning and thunder, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Students will be able to describe the origin and nature of the solar system (planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, comets) and other astronomic features (stars, galaxies) beyond Earth's solar system. Analyze atmospheric circulation patterns, their influence on ocean circulation (surface currents, waves, upwellings, etc.), and the physical and chemical factors affecting local and regional weather and climate. Students will be able to apply scientific terminology and methodology to analyze the natural processes affecting the Earth.
Earth Science Laboratory	GEOL 8L	Students will be able to apply the scientific method in analyzing Earth's processes. Students will be able to interpret information portrayed on graphs, tables, and maps. Students will be able to classify and identify essential minerals and rocks that compose the Earth's crust. Students will be able to describe the steps and results of a scientific investigation. Students will be able to utilize appropriate methods and tools for data collection in the Earth Sciences. Students will be able to interpret spatial data in the Earth Sciences. Students will be able to apply simple mathematical formulas in describing the velocity of seismic waves, locating an earthquake epicenter, calculating rates of motion of tectonic plates, and determining physical characteristics of ocean waves. (1) SLO: The student will be able to correctly identify the mineral quartz. (2) SLO: The student will be able to determine distance using a topographic map. (3) SLO: The student will be able to calculate the velocity of a wave. (4) SLO: The student will be able to apply principles of relative dating to a hypothetical rock outcrop. A dike intrudes a sandstone. Which of the units is younger? (5) SLO: The student will be able to list the planets in the Solar System.
Environmental Geology	GEOL 9	EXAMINE DATA TO CALCULATE, INTERPRET AND PREDICT THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY IMPORTANT GEOLOGIC PROCESSES See att doc Study the sketch to analyze ground water quality. See att doc Students will be able to describe the causes and results of geologic processes and their consequences to humans
Geologic Field Studies: Central California	GEOL 24	1. What is an unconformity? 2. What kind of rock makes up the Sierra Nevada Mountains? 3. What is a glacier? Students will be able to identify and describe dominant features, geological structures, and processes from regions visited on field trips. Students will be able to apply primary geological principles. Students will be able to evaluate and classify major rock types. Students will be able to interpret central California geologic features using photographic essays. Students will be able to compare and contrast geological features between selected central California geological provinces.
Geologic Field Studies: Southern California	GEOL 25	this course will be offered in fall 2013. Students will be able to identify and describe dominant features, geological structures, and processes from regions visited on field trips. Students will be able to apply primary geological principles. Students will be able to evaluate and classify major rock types. Students will be able to evaluate and classify common minerals. Students will be able to interpret Southern California geological features using photographic essays. Students will be able to compare and contrast geological features between selected Southern California geological provinces.
Geology of California	GEOL 7	Students will be able to analyze causes and effects of geologic processes in the California provinces. Students will be able to analyze how plate tectonics influences the formation and occurrence of minerals, rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landscapes in California. Students will be able to apply scientific thinking and the scientific method to interpret and analyze data to solve geologic problems specific to California. Students will be able to identify earth materials pertaining to California. Students will be able to analyze geologic time as it relates to the evolution of the natural provinces of California.
Geology of the Solar System	ASTR 7	Students will be able to describe the nature of electromagnetic radiation, and demonstrate basic principles of optics. Students will be able to explain the basic motion of planets, with emphasis on the three basic motions of Earth (rotation, revolution, and precession), what causes them and how they can be measured. Students will be able to describe the major processes operating to shape the surface of the earth. Students will be able to describe the geometry and mechanisms of lunar and solar eclipses and lunar phases. Students will be able to evaluate the limitations and types of instruments that characterize space missions. Students will be able to apply basic principles of remote sensing. Students will be able to describe the various processes responsible for creating and altering the surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids, and meteorites. Students will be able to compare and contrast current theories of the origin and evolution of the solar system. Imagine that you were stranded in the middle of the wilderness. You are able to locate Polaris in the sky to find north. Explain how you could use celestial objects (Sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.) to determine when a day, month, and year had passed. 7. Describe the various processes responsible for creating and altering the surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids, and meteorites.
Historical Geology	GEOL 2	Students will be able to analyze causes and effects of Earth processes in the evolution of life and the Earth's crust using the scientific method and scientific thinking. Students will be able to describe how global tectonics has influenced geography, climate, and evolution of life through time. Students will be able to describe and categorize sedimentary rocks and construct geologic maps. Students will be able to articulate the concept of deep geologic time using the record of rocks and fossils. Students will be able to reconstruct paleogeographic conditions through analysis of biogeochemical data
Introduction to Astronomy	ASTR 5	Imagine that you were stranded in the middle of the wilderness. You are able to locate Polaris in the sky to find north. Explain how you could use celestial objects (Sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.) to determine when a day, month, and year had passed. Students will be able to analyze electromagnetic radiation. Students will be able to identify and explain the basic motion of the planets. Students will be able to compare the three motions of the earth and predict the motion of objects in the sky due to these motions. Students will be able to relate the major structures of the universe to specific units of measurement. Students will be able to explain the motion and phases of the Moon, as well as the mechanism of eclipses. Students will be able to summarize and evaluate current theories of the origin and evolution of the solar system. Students will be able to classify and identify meteorites based on their visual properties. Students will be able to explain stellar evolution. Students will be able to summarize and evaluate our current understanding of cosmology. Kepler's law of planetary motion
Introduction to Astronomy-Honors	ASTR 5H	Students will be able to evaluate and discuss the merits of proposed astronomical instruments (telescopes, satellites, etc.). Imagine that you were stranded in the middle of the wilderness. You are able to locate Polaris in the sky to find north. Explain how you could use celestial objects (Sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.) to determine when a day, month, and year had passed. Students will be able to summarize and evaluate our current understanding of cosmology. Students will be able to identify current developments in astronomy and understand their significance. Student will be able to classify types electromagnetic radiation. Students will be able to identify and explain the basic motion of the planets. Students will be able to compare the three motions of the earth and predict the motion of the sky due to these motions. Students will be able to relate the major structures of the universe to specific units of measurement. Students will be able to explain the motion and phases of the Moon, as well as the mechanism of eclipses. Students will be able to summarize and evaluate current theories of the origin and evolution of the solar system. Students will be able to classify and identify meteorites based on their visual properties. Students will be able to explain stellar evolution.
Introduction to Oceanography	OCEA 10	Students will be able to describe how atmospheric circulation influences ocean circulation (surface currents, waves, upwelling, etc.); explain how physical and chemical factors of the ocean affect weather and climate. Students will be able to provide examples of ways in which modern knowledge of the ocean was achieved through use of the scientific method. Students will be able to apply scientific terms and the scientific method in analyzing ocean processes and the results of those processes. Students will be able to evaluate the human impact on the ocean, especially in coastal areas and in relation to global climate change Students will be able to summarize the geologic time scale, and apply it to the age of the Earth and ocean. Student will be able to interpret / apply the effect of oceanographic processes. Course embedded short answer questions. see att doc Students will be able to describe distinctive properties of the water molecule and show how these properties relate to the physical and chemical properties of seawater. Students will be able to describe how atmospheric circulation influences ocean circulation. Students will be able to explain how physical and chemical factors of the ocean affect global and local weather and climate in the past, present and future.
Introduction to Oceanography - Honors	OCEA 10H	Students will be able to explain how volcanic eruptions, weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and the motion of tectonic plates are responsible for the origin and character of Earth's ocean. Students will be able to provide examples of ways in which modern knowledge of the ocean was achieved through use of the scientific method. Students will be able to describe how atmospheric circulation influences ocean circulation. Students will be able to explain how physical and chemical factors of the ocean affect global and local weather and climate in the past, present and future. Students will be able to apply scientific terms and the scientific method in analyzing ocean processes and the results of those processes. Students will be able to evaluate the human impact on the ocean, especially in coastal areas and in relation to global climate change. 8. Identify and explain current developments in oceanography and their scientific significance. Student will be able to interpret / apply the effect of oceanographic processes. Course embedded short answer questions. Students will be able to describe distinctive properties of the water molecule, and show how those properties relate to the physical and chemical properties of seawater.
Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory	OCEA 10L	Students will be able to describe the steps involved in obtaining results in a scientific investigation. Students will be able to collect and analyze ocean salinity, temperature, water depth, and pH data. Students will be able to apply simple mathematical formulas and tools to determine rate of motion of tectonic plates, physical characteristics of ocean waves (e.g. velocity), bathymetry, and chemical characteristics of seawater. Students will be able to interpret information displayed in graphs, tables, charts, and maps. Students will be able to apply the scientific method in analyzing oceanographic data and interpreting ocean processes. (1) SLO: The student will be able to calculate the velocity of tectonic plates given appropriate geophysical data. (2) SLO: The student will be able to explain the origin of lithogenous and biogenous sediment. (3) SLO: The student will be able to calculate the velocity of a wave. (4) SLO: The student will be able to determine ocean floor physiography using a bathymetric map. (5) SLO: The student will be able to analyze ocean salinity data.Generally, which locations exhibit the highest surface salinities? Students will be able to analyze and interpret oceanographic data and interpreting ocean processes such as those responsible for differences in salinity, temperature, density, and changing climate.
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe	ASTR 8	Student will be able to identify and describe methods of analysis of electromagnetic radiation. Students will be able to describe the scale of the universe and relate it to specific units of measurement. Students will be able to recognize the structure and principles underlying the operation of various telescopes. Students will be able to analyze the structure and location of the Earth and the objects in our solar system as a model of a stellar system in the universe. Students will be able to explain current theories relating to the origins and evolutionary cycles of stars of various masses; include a description and evaluation of our current understanding of the nature of bizarre objects like white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Students will be able to identify and describe the various types and structures of galaxies. Students will be able to summarize recent advances in current scientific understanding of the field of cosmology. Students will be able to describe the historical development of cosmology, from the perspectives of ancient cultures up through modern times. Students will be able to describe the motions of celestial objects. Imagine that you were stranded in the middle of the wilderness. You are able to locate Polaris in the sky to find north. Explain how you could use celestial objects (Sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.) to determine when a day, month, and year had passed. New and better wording: Imagine that you were suddenly placed in the middle of the wilderness. You know that you will be stranded here for at least 10 years! You have no contact with other people, either in person or through technology. You also don?t have a watch, compass, or phone! Describe in as much detail as possible how you could use the sky (Sun, Moon, Stars) to keep track of time. Be sure to discuss how you can measure not only short periods of time (days, etc.) but also longer periods of time (months, years, etc.). Also, be sure to mention how you would figure out directions (north, etc.).
Natural Disasters	GEOL 10	Students will be able to explain important geologic and other natural processes contributing to a disaster. Students will be able to interpret the probable causes for various disasters using scientific methods/principles and real world data. Students will be able to investigate historical disasters to analyze the impact on science, people and governments. Students will be able to predict the impact of potential future disasters based on analyses of earlier investigations into actual disasters. Students will be able to analyze hazards in the students' own environment in order to better prepare themselves and their community for a future natural disaster. Students will be able to compare and contrast the role governments and private individuals take in prevention of natural disasters. Student will be able to identify causes and hazards of natural disasters
Physical Geology	GEOL 1	Develop SLOs for Geol1 to be tested during Spring 09 Students will be able to analyze how tectonics influences the formation and occurrence of minerals, rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, oceans, continents, and landscapes. Students will be able to analyze patterns and trends in observable data from a natural system, and form conclusions based on those patterns and trends. Students will be able to apply scientific thinking and scientific method to analyze geologic problems, and the causes and effects of geologic processes. Students will be able to analyze deep time as it relates to the physical and chemical evolution of Earth over time. Students will be able to use simple tools and techniques for field and lab identification of common minerals and rocks.
Special Projects in Astronomy	ASTR 99	Students will be able to develop accurate and complete records of project activities. Students will be able to enhance his or her understanding of a specific problem or topic in astronomy. Students will be able to design, contract and execute a project in cooperation with an instructor. Students will be able to expand a chosen idea, theory, or hypothesis through an approved method of exploration. Students will be able to analyze data acquired through project activities. Students will be able to validate project information in an appropriate mode: essay, report, spreadsheet or graphical analysis, journal article, multimedia, or poster presentation
Special Projects in Geology	GEOL 99	Students will be able to design and implement field or laboratory strategies/methods and explain their purpose in addressing the research problem. Students will be able to recognize a research problem. Students will be able to use a university library to compile a bibliography of essential peer-reviewed literature relevant to the project. Students will be able to summarize the essence of 3 to 5 peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to the project. Students will be able to analyze data acquired through project activities. Students will be able to validate project information in an appropriate mode -- essay, report, spreadsheet/graphical analysis, journal article or multimedia or poster presentation Students will be able to develop accurate and complete records of project activities. Students will be able to apply the scientific method in analyzing Earth's processes. Students will be able to interpret information portrayed on graphs, tables, and maps. Students will be able to classify and identify essential minerals and rocks that compose the Earth's crust. Students will be able to describe the steps and results of a scientific investigation. Students will be able to utilize appropriate methods and tools for data collection in the Earth Sciences. Students will be able to interpret spatial data in the Earth Sciences. Students will be able to apply simple mathematical formulas in describing the velocity of seismic waves, locating an earthquake epicenter, calculating rates of motion of tectonic plates, and determining physical characteristics of ocean waves.
Special Topics in Field Geology	GEOL 29	Students will be able to interpret the geologic history of an area. Students will be able to identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Students will be able to identify common rock-forming minerals. Students will be able to analyze topographic and geologic maps. Students will be able to interpret geologic outcrops. this course will be offered in fall 2013.
Weather and Atmospheric Environment Laboratory	METO 3L	1) Using a sling psychrometer determine the relative humidity and dew point inside the class and outside the building. 2) Using the temperature data provided and the saturation mixing ratio table, calculate relative humidity. 3) On the meteogram identify when the cold front and/or warm front passed each given location. 4) Calculate the noon sun angle for the dates and locations listed. 5) Using the data provided on the map, identify/dram the locations of the warm and/or cold fronts, the dry line (if present), and general wind directions. Students will be able to interpret and analyze weather data. Students will be able to predict/forecast weather patterns based on trends in available data. Students will be able to comprehend common weather phenomena. Students will be able to Analyze the socio-economic impact of weather and climate change. Students will be able to assess current weather conditions and explain the processes that created these conditions. Students will be able to use electronic and analog equipment in weather data collection.
Weather and the Atmospheric Environment	METO 3	Students will be able to comprehend common weather phenomena. Students will be able to describe and explain current weather events and the processes that created these conditions. Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in problem solving skills as they relate to meteorology. Students will be able to interpret and analyze various weather conditions. Students will be able to analyze basic weather trends based on current weather data. Students will be able to Analyze the socio-economic impact of weather and climate change. Student will be able to analyze the map and evaluate meteorologic data 5 multiple choice questions to asses comprehension of common weather phenomena. 11 weather map questions to asses students' ability to analyze basic weather trends based on weather data/map.

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