Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

It is recognized by the geology/general science SAC that different field trip sites differ in complexity. Additionally, an instructor may choose to concentrate on a few of the major processes that have shaped a particular location, rather than all of the processes (major and minor). Thus the breadth and depth of geological knowledge attained by a student will vary depending on the chosen site and the goals of the instructor. A student will spend 20 hours per credit in a combination of lecture/study and field observation/exercises to adequately master the outcomes and content offered by a particular site.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Narrate a geologic history of the field area visited by combining site specific content knowledge with field observations and experiences of the site itself.
2. Use field research equipment to collect scientifically valid observations and data.
3. Connect current environmental and/or land use concerns affecting the study area to the geologic history of the study area.
4. Communicate geologic concepts effectively using maps and diagrams in written and/or oral formats.
5. Meet learning outcomes specific to this project as mutually agreed upon by the student and instructor in advance through a written learning contract, and as appropriate to the credit awarded for this course.

The material in this course will be presented in a classroom lecture/discussion format with an accompanying field trip. Other educationally sound methods may be employed such as research papers and small group work. Curriculum materials for a specified site will be approved by the geology/general sciences SAC before the site-specific course is offered.

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade. The methods may include one or more of the following tools: examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, research papers, group projects, oral presentations, or maintenance of a personal field journal.

Course content varies based on location

Content common to any location includes:

• Collaborate with peers - work effectively in groups
• Describe the geologic history of the study area
• Identify the rocks found in the study area
• Discuss human impact on the study area
• Describe the relationship between the geology and the biological organisms in the study area
• Describe the geologic processes that are typified by the study area