GEOL 152 Historical Geology

Historical Geology is a one-semester introductory course in the Earth Sciences, which fulfils the College’s Laboratory Science requirement. It provides an overview of the physical and biological history of the Earth. The prerequisite is Physical Geology (GEOL 151), which also meets the Lab Science requirement; the one-credit Introduction to Rocks and Minerals (GEOL 101) also satisfies the prerequisite, but not the Science Requirement. Students wishing to enter the Natural Sciences program should take Historical Geology as early as possible, preferably after having taken Physical Geology. Mesalands’ Historical Geology is offered every Spring, and is a 4-credit course (which includes a compulsory laboratory section). The course introduces the following topics: Geologic Time, Fossil Preservation, Geologic History of the Earth (focusing on North America), and the Biologic History of the Earth (invertebrate, vertebrate and plant fossils, and their evolution). The class is supplemented with online materials available through the College’s WebCT system. Grading is based on tests, a research paper, homework assignments, and laboratory exercises. The textbook for Spring is H. L. Levin’s “The Earth Through Time” (7th edition; Wiley). For information about the course content or procedures contact the instructor, Dr. Axel Hungerbuehler, at axelh@mesalands.edu or (575) 461-3466