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GEOL 415 closed November 21, 2007, replaced by current version.
Delivery mode: Individualized study.
Credits: 3 - Science
Prerequisite: GEOL 200 and GEOL 201 or equivalent. Students should feel comfortable with the manipulation of algebraic equations and have a rudimentary knowledge of single-variable differential calculus. Where applied, chemical principles essential for the course are adequately explained, although it would be beneficial for students to have CHEM 217.
Centre: Centre for Science
GEOL 415 has a Challenge for Credit option.
GEOL 415 explores the evidence for the various processes, events, and materials involved in the formation of Earth and the evolution of the young Earth. The course also describes various geochemical tools and techniques used by geologists to reveal and interpret the evidence.
Unit 1: Earth in the Solar System
Unit 2: Geochemical Tools and the Origin of the Elements
Unit 3: Types of Meteorites
Unit 4: Origins of Meteorites
Unit 5: Formation of the Solar System and the Construction of Earth
Unit 6: The Internal Structure and Composition of Earth
To receive credit for GEOL 415, you must complete all of the assignments, with a minimum mark of 60 percent on each assignment, achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), and achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on both the mid-term and final examinations. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| 2 Assignments | Mid-term Exam | Final Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 25% | 35% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Black, David C. 1991. “Worlds Around Other Stars.” Scientific American (January 1991): 76-82.
Broecker, W. S. 1985. How to Build a Habitable Planet. Palisades, NY: Eldigio Press.
Faure, G. and Mensing, T.M. 2005. Isotopes: Principles and Applications 3rd. ed. New Jersey: John Wiley and Son.
Stahler, Steven W. 1991. “The Early Life of Stars.” Scientific American (July 1991): 48-55.
Wasson, J. T. 1985. Meteorites: Their Record of Early Solar-System History. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company.
The course materials include a study guide, a student manual, and a book of readings.