The Department of Physics

Course Description

This course will introduce students to Earth Materials, Earth Processes and Seismology that will contribute to the advanced level Physics minor, Environmental Physics, as well as various applications in Physics. This course will focus on the following: Properties of minerals and crystals, Classification and recognition of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, Tectonic and Structural Features of the Earth, Stratigraphy and Geologic Time, Distribution and Development of major Earth Resources, Nature of Earthquakes, Seismic waves, Earthquakes and the Caribbean. Through in-class discussions, and problem solving sessions, students would have an opportunity to improve their ability to reason through challenging situations in the physical Universe using basic principles to develop appropriate solutions. Assessment and evaluation is done in the form of in-course tests and a Final examination.

CONTENT

The Earth, Earth’s Physical Environment, Physical and Historical Geology and Earth Science and Resources. Earth’s Internal Layered Structure, Erosion Weathering, Plate Tectonics, Major Processes that shape the Earth, Geologic Time. Minerals and the Physical Properties of Minerals. Rock Cycle, Classification and recognition of Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks. Video Presentation/ Documentary on Igneous, Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Earthquakes, Types of Earthquake waves, Locating an earthquake, Intensity and magnitude associated with earthquakes, Destructive phenomena associated with earthquakes. Earthquake Seismology. Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift. Volcanoes and other Igneous activity, Volcanoes in the Eastern Caribbean. Mountain building and associated features, Relative Dating and Radioactivity.

GOALS/AIMS

• To enable students to develop a good understanding of the Earth’s processes, materials and Seismology and a theoretical and methological background required for more advanced studies of Earth physics.
• To produce graduates with good critical thinking and problem solving skills enabling them to apply required theory to the study and analysis of phenomena in Earth physics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

• Apply theoretical and observational principles to the study and analysis of phenomena in Earth physics.
• Analyze and organize information
• Communicate ideas and information
• Apply practical ideas and techniques
• Solve problems.

Assessment