Course Syllabus
WebCT Site
Course Assessment (Annual Review of Course and Course Objectives)

Course Description (Texas Tech University Catalog): Beginning course. A study of earth materials (rocks and minerals), gradation (erosion and deposition), diastrophism (earth movements and mountain building), volcanism and earth resources.

In my design for physical geology the course is split into four distinct groups that reflect the overall theme for the course.

This portion of the course focuses on those things that make up our planet. From the origins of the universe, our solar system, and our earth to the physical objects (atoms, elements, minerals, rocks) that make it all up, it is integral to learn the earth materials to understand the greater processes that have shaped our Earth. [Photo at left shows the Castnor Marble in outcrop in the Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas.]

This portion of the course focuses on those processes that are occurring beneath our feet. Most of the time we can't see these process, but we sometimes feel them, and always see their results. Processes included here are plate tectonics (including development of the theory and evidence for), hot spots, earthquakes, volcanoes, the geodynamo system. [Photo at left shows a hydrothermal pool in the Norris geyser field in Yellowstone National Park, WY.]

This portion of the course focuses on those processes we can observe directly on the surface of the Earth. Included are stream systems, glacial system, arid systems, coastal systems, and groundwater systems. In addition to understanding the processes we will invest a significant amount of time into understanding how these processes are the result of the interaction between the tectonic and climate systems and how the processes shape the landscape of our planet. [Photo at left shows Chittenango Falls, from the state park in Chittenango, NY.]

This portion of the course allows us to explore the resources provided to us by the Earth, and how are actions can alter our Earth and environment. From hydrocarbons (oil, gas, and coal) to mineral resources the Earth provides a large amount of materials to the human race. Mining and use of these minerals can dramatically shape the environment we live in. Other topics include: energy, global warming, global climate change, acid rain, and the ozone hole. [Photo at left shows and active mine with debris in Globe, AZ.]

All photos, illustrations, and documents on this page are the intellectual property of Steven J. Rosscoe. Any use of this material should be cited appropriately and permission for use should be given by stevenjrosscoe@yahoo.com .