ESCI 110: Earth Science

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 54
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: B2. Natural Sciences - Physical Sciences, B3. Natural Sciences - Laboratory
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course provides an introductory survey of the fundamental concepts of Earth and space science and the interrelationships among these disciplines. Emphasis will be placed upon the comparative study of the Earth and the other planets, their formation and evolution, Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere; the dynamics of each, and how they are interrelated. 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Critically analyze field data, photographic data, and/or other data for identification of planetary and Earth system features, active and inactive natural processes, and potential and/or real natural hazards.
  • Predict what Earth System features and hazards are to be expected for an area based on Earth History, uniformitarianism, plate tectonics, and governing natural processes.
  • Analyze Earth System processes and identify minerals and rocks in hand-sample and classify them accordingly by utilizing hands-on laboratory and field analyses techniques.
  • Express an understanding of the natural processes that created, and currently shape, our planetary and Earth systems.
  • In laboratory, measure aspects of our planetary and Earth systems processes using scientific tools such as topographic maps, photographs, and seismograms, relating the results to our environment.
  • Perform calculations on planetary and Earth systems processes using simple algebraic formulae and scientific notation, and demonstrate an understanding of the physical significance of the calculations.
  • Critically examine the ramifications and potential hazards to society of plate tectonics, and the internal processes that govern plate tectonics.
  • Critically examine written material pertaining to Earth and Space sciences; distinguish between scientific and non-scientific hypotheses, methods, and results.

Major Course Content

  1. Scientific Method and Measurement
  2. The Universe and Earth's Place in It
  3. Formation of the Solar System and the Earth System
  4. The Atmosphere: Composition and Structure
  5. Dynamics of Earth's Atmosphere: Climate and Seasons
  6. The Hydrosphere: Evolution of the Ocean Floor, Seawater, and Life
  7. Dynamics of Earth's Hydrosphere: Currents, Tides, and Shorelines
  8. Earth Materials: Minerals, Rocks, and Soil
  9. Weathering, Running Water, Groundwater, Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind
  10. Dynamics of the Solid Earth: Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes
  11. Geologic Time and Earth's Rock Record as observed through Fossils

Lab Content

  1. Methods, dimensional analysis, and measurement
  2. Mineral Properties and identification
  3. Igneous Rocks and Volcanoes
  4. Running Water, Groundwater, and Weathering
  5. Sedimentary Rocks
  6. Earthquakes and Geologic Structures
  7. Metamorphic Rocks
  8. Plate Tectonics
  9. Fossil Identification and Geologic Time 
  10. Field Laboratory: Oceans and Weather Systems
  11. Field Laboratory Humid and Arid Climates and Associated Processes
  12. Evolution of Earth's Different Spheres

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Scientific journals and/or newspaper articles about current events related to course content.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Short answer and essay questions that are a part of homework assignments. Reports and essays on the videos or outside articles they have been assigned. Field Study.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Watching YouTube or other videos and reading scientific journal and/or newspaper articles related to course content. Students are required to complete practice questions that review course content.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab

IGETC Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences

5A. Physical Science, 5C. Science Laboratory