Page 104 - 2012-2013 TMCC College Catalog

2012-2013 TMCC College Catalog B-83
Geoscience Emphasis
Associate of Science
The geoscience emphasis in physical science is designed to
provide a solid foundation for students interested in geology,
natural resources, physical geography, renewable energy (in
particular geothermal energy), environmental sciences and
planning, and teaching of science. After completing the emphasis
program, students will be well prepared to either enter the
work force as a technician or transfer to four-year professional
baccalaureate degree programs. The program will maximize
student transfer opportunities.
Emphasis Outcomes
Students completing the emphasis will:
• Relate how the various earth systems, consisting of the geosphere,
hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, interact with
each other so as to affect surface landforms, climate andweather,
oceanic circulation patterns, andwell being of life forms including
the human condition.
• Utilize the theory of plate tectonics to explain the distribution
of volcanoes, earthquakes, energy andmineral resources, and
formation of different types of rocks andminerals.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify and classify rocks andminerals
and relate their origin to both internal and external forces and
processes. Much like words in a book tell a story, students will
“read” rocks to interpret their history as written by nature.
• Recognize that changes in life over time involve feedbacks between
life forms and the physical environment—that changes in our
physical environment, driven by both internal and external forces,
govern the explosions and extinctions of life forms with time and
will continue to do so.
• Apply the scientific method and geologic knowledge gained in a
capstone course to interpret the geologic history of select areas of
the Reno region through field studies, involving rock and structure
identification and plotting their distribution to make basic but
informative geologic maps also useful in assessments of geological
hazards.
General Education Requirements
English 6 credits
Required: ENG 101 and 102 or ENG 113 and 114.
Fine Arts 3 credits
Recommended: THTR 210
Humanities 3 credits
Recommended: CH 201
Mathematics 3 credits
Required: MATH 127 or higher. MATH 181 and 182 are
required of Geology majors at UNR prior to graduation.
Science 6 credits
Required: CHEM 121 and 122
Social Science 3 credits
Required CH 202
Total General Education Requirements 24 Credits
Degree Requirements
Diversity (3 credits)
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions (3 credits)
Required: CH 203
Emphasis Requirements
BIOL 100 General Biology for Non-Majors..........................3
CH 203 American Experiences and
Constitutional Change. .......................................3
ECON 102 Principles of Microeconomics........................... (3)
– or –
ECON 103 Principles of Macroeconomics.......................... (3)
GEOL 101 Geology: Exploring Planet Earth. ........................4
GEOL 102 Earth and Life Through Time...............................4
GEOL 260 Introduction to Field Methods. ...........................2
MATH 181 Calculus I. ...........................................................4
MATH 182 Calculus II. ..........................................................4
PHYS 151 General Physics I.............................................. (4)
– or –
PHYS 180/180L Physics for Scientists and
Engineers I/Lab I (preferred)............................... (4)
Additional GE science credits. ............................................................2
Total Emphasis Requirements 33 Credits
Elective Requirements
Choose 3 credits from the following:
GEOG 103/104Physical Geography/Lab. ............................................4
GEOG 121 Climate Change: The Science Basis......................4
GEOG 210R Introduction to Geotechnology...........................3
GEOL 100 Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Natural
Disasters.............................................................3
GEOL 105R Introduction to Geology of National
Parks...................................................................3
GEOL 206 Geology of Geothermal Energy
Resources............................................................3
NRES 100 Principles of Natural Resources and
Environmental Sciences......................................3
PHYS 152* General Physics II............................................. (4)
– or –
PHYS 181/181L Physics for Scientists and
Engineers II/Lab II (preferred)............................. (4)
*Required for UNR Geology baccalaureate degree. Note: PHYS 152 is not
regularly taught at TMCC, however, PHYS 181/181L is normally taught at TMCC.
Elective Requirements 3 Credits
Total Emphasis Requirements 33 Credits
Total Elective Requirements 3 Credits
Total Degree Requirements 60 Credits
See the following page for the
Suggested Course Sequence.